Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Alberta
Today, with the support of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S), and the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) (the "Métis Governments"), the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced the introduction of Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.
The Bill delivers on commitments made in Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreements that were co-developed and signed with the Métis Governments in February 2023. In these agreements, Canada formally recognizes that each of these Métis Governments are the representative government of distinct Métis collectivities that possess an inherent right to self-government recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Canada also recognizes that each of these Métis Governments has jurisdiction in the areas of citizenship, leadership selection, and internal administration.
The agreements also commit Canada to negotiate a self-government Treaty with each Métis Government. Once these future self-government Treaties are negotiated and ratified by the respective Métis Governments and Canada, they will be given legal force and effect and constitutionally protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 through the legal framework in Bill C-53, if this legislation is passed by Parliament.
In 1982, Métis were expressly included as one of the "Aboriginal peoples of Canada" in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Over the last 40 years, the MNO, MN-S, and MNA have sought to put in place a Nation-to-Nation, government-to-government relationship with Canada. Bill C-53 supports this work.
This Bill is a key part of Canada's commitment to advance work with Métis partners to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As highlighted in Budget 2023, Canada will continue its collaborative work to conclude self-government Treaties with the Métis Governments. This is a key step to realize their visions for self-determination and a better future for the citizens and communities they represent.
