Latest news with #MétisNationofOntario
Global News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Global News
Indigenous groups question government funding for Métis Nation of Ontario
First Nations in Ontario and the Manitoba Métis Federation say nearly $1 billion in federal funding went to a group they allege is fraudulently claiming Métis identity. The Chiefs of Ontario, which represents 133 First Nations in the province, shared with The Canadian Press data on more than 20 years worth of federal funding provided to the Métis Nation of Ontario. It suggests that $819,836,061 went from Ottawa to the MNO — an organization First Nations leaders say has no legitimacy and threatens their rights. 'This data shows just how badly First Nations in Ontario are being harmed by the diversion of government funding to the MNO and away from the needs of First Nations and other legitimate groups,' the Chiefs of Ontario said in a media statement. 'The question is, why is the Crown sending hundreds of millions of dollars to the MNO when there is overwhelming evidence contradicting their claims?' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The question is, why is the Crown sending hundreds of millions of dollars to the MNO when there is overwhelming evidence contradicting their claims?" Story continues below advertisement The data indicates the money came from several federal departments, including Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations, Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. The MNO also received funds from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Impact Assessment Agency related to the potential impacts of projects in their communities. The conflict between First Nations, some Métis groups and the MNO stems from a 2017 decision by the government of Ontario to recognize six 'new, historic' Métis communities in the province — and a 2023 federal government bill, which never passed, that would have affirmed the MNO's right to self-government. First Nations and other Métis groups say the communities represented by the MNO have no claim to Métis heritage and Ottawa and Ontario have no right to recognize them. 3:31 Métis Nation of Ontario accused of recasting ancestors as Métis Last month, history professor Leila Inksetter of the University of Quebec in Montreal released a report drafted on behalf of the Wabun Tribal Council that concluded there is no evidence of a mixed-ancestry community in the Wabun Tribal Council's territory in northeastern Ontario. Story continues below advertisement The MNO rejected that report, saying that despite years of outside attempts 'to discredit' it, 'nothing has changed.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The facts of history will not change because a new 'expert' has been paid to peddle the same Métis denialism,' the group said in a media statement. The MNO has cited a 2003 decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to recognize a Métis community in and around Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The case did not consider the six new communities recognized in 2017, but rather what may constitute a Métis right. Another report, published last month and commissioned by Saugeen Ojibway Nation, also concluded there is no evidence of a distinct Métis community in their territory in southwestern Ontario. 'The historical evidence simply does not support this claim,' says the nearly 200-page report, written by two historians at the University of Toronto. While the report says there were 'certainly individuals and families of mixed ancestry' in the region, that can't form the basis of a claim to a distinct community within Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory. 1:06 Manitoba Métis Federation president blasts Ontario group during identity summit Jennifer St. Germain, MNO chief strategy officer, said Métis and First Nations 'should not be working at odds as we are not enemies.' Story continues below advertisement 'We have worked together throughout our shared history to push colonial governments to respect the rights of Métis and First Nations peoples, to properly invest in the programs that matter to our families and communities, and to uphold the honour of the Crown,' she said. 'When the MNO and Ontario First Nations work together, we make real change for the better for our children, families, and communities, as well as our lands and waters. 'It's time to get back to the table rooted in our shared values of honesty, truth, and respect.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's time to get back to the table rooted in our shared values of honesty, truth, and respect." The Chiefs of Ontario says that the academic research 'merely reaffirms reality.' 'Not only are Ontario and Canada refusing to consult First Nations, they refuse to share the research they relied on or acknowledge the growing body of research and take steps to fix their mistakes,' the Chiefs of Ontario said in a media statement. 'It is extremely disappointing that Canada and Ontario … failed to do any adequate research before recognizing the MNO.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It is extremely disappointing that Canada and Ontario … failed to do any adequate research before recognizing the MNO." Open disputes over claims to Métis heritage came close last year to ripping apart the Métis National Council, which once acted as a national voice for Métis but now has just two provincial members. The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan withdrew from the Métis National Council last September, citing concerns about the MNO and claiming the council had failed to ensure the integrity of its citizenship registry. Story continues below advertisement 5:23 Ottawa signs self-government agreements with Metis Nation in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario The Métis Nation British Columbia withdrew from the council shortly after, saying it had lost confidence in the council's ability to serve as a national advocacy organization. Their departure came years after the Manitoba Métis Federation withdrew from the council, citing similar concerns. Will Goodon, the Manitoba Métis Federation's minister of identity protection and inter-Indigenous affairs, said the amount of public money available to Métis communities is limited and should not be shared with bodies that are not connected to what he calls the historic Métis Nation — largely recognized as descendants of the Red River communities in Manitoba. One Parks Canada grant received by the MNO was meant to allow the organization to secure land and 'support creation of an ecological corridor in the region along the north shore of Lake Superior,' says a federal document. Story continues below advertisement Goodon said that type of funding raises red flags for both Red River Métis and First Nations concerned about the prospect of the MNO seeking land in their territories. 3:01 Federal contracts given to Indigenous companies without proof The Manitoba Métis Federation said it's also troubled by the fact that the federal government last week invited MNO leaders to a meeting to discuss its controversial major projects legislation. The federation, which boycotted that meeting, said the MNO's invitation undermined the integrity of the gathering and put the government's major projects agenda at risk. 'Canada and Ontario are pushing pro-development agendas. They say they will consult with 'Indigenous communities' but, in Ontario, the only consultations that should occur are with the rights holders — First Nations,' the Chiefs of Ontario said in a media statement. 'Pan-Indigenous approaches do not work and only devalue the true rights holders.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Pan-Indigenous approaches do not work and only devalue the true rights holders."
National Observer
4 days ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Manitoba Métis Federation rejects Carney's invitation to talk major projects
The Manitoba Métis Federation is turning down Prime Minister Mark Carney 's invitation to discuss his government's controversial major projects legislation, saying it won't attend the meeting alongside another Métis group it claims has no reason to exist. The federation, which represents Red River Métis, said Wednesday that Carney's decision to invite the Métis Nation of Ontario to Thursday's meeting undermines the integrity of the gathering and puts the government's plans for major projects at risk. "Respect my government as you're asking me to respect yours. Trust my government as you're asking me to trust yours," federation president David Chartrand said to reporters in front of his cabinet ministers in Ottawa. "To the prime minister, the door is open. If you want to come and sit down with my cabinet in a government-to-government relationship, we will meet. But if you want to insult us, then we'll see each other in a different political realm in the future." Other Métis groups and First Nations say the communities represented by the Métis Nation of Ontario have no claim to Métis heritage and Ottawa and Ontario have no right to recognize them. The MNO has defended itself from those claims, saying Métis do not exist only in the Red River region. First Nations in the province have sought academic reviews of six new communities recognized by the MNO and Ontario in 2017, saying they are not legitimate and infringe upon their territories. Chartrand also said Ottawa is propping up the Métis National Council by including it in the meeting, despite the fact that it has only two provincial members left due to conflicts related to the MNO. He said Carney's political advisers do not know enough about Métis politics, adding the prime minister never would have met with "fake banks" in his previous role as Bank of Canada governor. "You're prime minister of Canada. Don't have a meeting with a fake group of people, because it's not right. You wouldn't do it as a businessman. Don't do it as prime minister," Chartrand said. Carney promised meetings with First Nations, Inuit and Métis after Indigenous leaders said they were not consulted adequately on the major projects legislation and they fear projects will move forward without their input. The legislation allows cabinet to sidestep existing laws to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects that are deemed to be in the national interest. While the Manitoba Métis Federation has been generally supportive of the legislation, Chartrand said Ottawa's push to approve major projects is at risk if Ottawa negotiates with "illegitimate bodies." Mitch Case, co-secretary for rights, intergovernmental relations and communications with the MNO, said that while the Manitoba Métis Federation is free to make decisions about its own participation, it has no right to dictate who sits around the table. "(Chartrand) can go and argue with his past self. He can argue with me. They can post whatever they want on Facebook. We're here to talk about how do we work with Canada to respond to the economic threat, the geopolitical situation that the globe finds itself in right now," Case said. The Manitoba Métis Federation was a member of the Métis National Council until tensions came to a head in 2021 over who the Métis Nation of Ontario represents. Case pointed to that historical relationship between the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Métis Nation of Ontario. "We're not talking about ancient history here. We're talking about living memory," Case said, citing a Supreme Court of Canada case from 2003 that recognized a Métis community in and around Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and the support provided to the provincial group from Métis across the country at the time — including Chartrand. "We fought for the Métis Nation before there was any recognition of Métis rights, and we're continuing to fight today," Métis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh said in an interview. Chartrand said his citizens would be outraged if his organization validated the MNO by sitting alongside it in a meeting with the prime minister. "At the end of the day, if (Carney) wants to meet with them then say we spoke with the Métis, then he's going to feel the wrath of the Red River Métis," Chartrand said. He pointed to those studies commissioned by First Nations, some of which concluded the MNO was basing its genealogical history on the backs of First Nations ancestors, not Métis. "Don't steal this," Chartrand said, pointing to his buckskin vest adorned with Red River Métis floral beadwork. "This belongs to the West. Don't steal my flags. Don't steal (Louis) Riel. Don't steal our history. Get your own history and share that. If Canada wants to welcome you as a new people, so be it. That's their right. You will find yourself in a courtroom or in a political negotiation, but quit stealing our history and our culture." Chartrand told reporters he was aware of two other provincial groups who received invitations to the meeting — the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. He said he had no problem with their participation. Métis Nation British Columbia said it wouldn't be attending the meeting because it was invited as an online observer only. "To deny a signatory to the Canada-Métis Nation Accord a seat at the table is a disappointing step backwards in our relationship with the federal government," it said in a statement. Métis settlements in Alberta and the N.W.T. were not invited to participate. The Prime Minister's Office told The Canadian Press late Wednesday Métis leaders were provided with details about the meeting Tuesday. "As the government of Canada we have a responsibility to work with everyone to build Canada Strong and that is what we will continue to do with the Manitoba Métis Federation and all of our Indigenous and Métis Partners," Patrick Vaughan said in a media statement. The office did not respond to a question about why the Métis settlements were not invited. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025.
Global News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Global News
Carney, Métis groups to meet on major projects bill
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet Thursday with three provincial Métis groups to discuss his government's major projects legislation. The legislation allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects that are deemed to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Carney is expected to be joined by the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Ontario. 0:43 Indigenous rights are 'fundamental' to Bill C-5: Carney The Manitoba Métis Federation, which represents Red River Métis, declined an invitation to take part in the meeting Wednesday, saying that inviting the Métis Nation of Ontario undermines the integrity of the gathering and puts the government's plans for major projects at risk. Story continues below advertisement The Manitoba Métis Federation says the Métis Nation of Ontario has no basis for existing and does not represent Métis. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Carney will meet with Métis leaders alongside a handful of his ministers, including Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Métis Nation British Columbia said it wouldn't be attending the meeting because it wanted full participation but was only invited as an online observer.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
In the news today: Carney, Metis and major projects talks; Trump's tariffs in effect
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed… Carney to meet with Métis groups on major projects Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet today with three provincial Métis groups to discuss his government's major projects legislation. The legislation allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects that are deemed to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Carney is expected to be joined by the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Ontario. The Manitoba Métis Federation, which represents Red River Métis, declined an invitation to take part in the meeting Wednesday, saying that inviting the Métis Nation of Ontario undermines the integrity of the gathering and puts the government's plans for major projects at risk. Trump's tariffs go into effect The U.S. began officially levying higher taxes on imports from dozens of countries Thursday, four months after President Donald Trump first announced plans to impose tariffs on most of the world while seeking new trade agreements across the board. The White House said that starting just after midnight goods from more than 60 countries and the European Union would face tariff rates of 10 per cent or higher. Products from the European Union, Japan and South Korea will be taxed at 15 per cent, while imports from Taiwan, Vietnam and Bangladesh will be taxed at 20 per cent. Trump also expects places such as the EU, Japan and South Korea to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. The Trump White House is confident that the onset of his broad tariffs will provide clarity about the path of the world's largest economy. Now that companies understand the direction the U.S. is headed, the administration believes they can ramp up new investments and jump-start hiring in ways that can rebalance the U.S. economy as a manufacturing power. Alberta separation question to be heard in court A special court proceeding on a proposed Alberta separation referendum question is scheduled to get underway today in Edmonton. Alberta's chief electoral officer, Gordon McClure, referred the proposed question to the court last week, asking a judge to determine whether it violates the Constitution, including treaty rights. The question asks Albertans: 'Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?' Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery have criticized the referral to the courts, saying the question should be approved and only face judicial scrutiny if it receives a majority vote. Quebec preparing for high-stakes byelection A high-stakes Quebec byelection could see the Conservatives win their first seat in the provincial legislature on Monday. Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime appears to be in a close two-way race with the sovereigntist Parti Québécois candidate in the Quebec riding of Arthabaska. The governing Coalition Avenir Québec, which has held the riding since 2012, seems poised to lose its third straight byelection in less than two years. Duhaime, a polarizing figure in Quebec politics, is hoping to enter the national assembly after his party failed to win a seat in the 2022 election. Mboko continues epic run versus Osaka in NBO final Victoria Mboko will take centre court once again in tonight's National Bank Open final. The Canadian tennis sensation faces four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the WTA 1000 tournament's title game at IGA Stadium after rallying for a thrilling comeback in last night's semifinal. Mboko saved a match point, battled from one set down and fought through a wrist injury to win a 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4) over ninth-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in an epic semifinal clash. The 18-year-old rising star from Toronto became the fourth Canadian woman to reach a final at the Canadian Open, and the latest since Bianca Andreescu's title run in 2019. Mboko will move up to at least 34th in the world rankings after beginning the year outside the top 300. Shook' is a love letter to Toronto's outskirts There's a scene in 'Shook' in which the drama's lead tells a Toronto hipster that he lives in Scarborough. Her response — 'Oooh, Scarborough' — comes off as if he just name-dropped a war zone. 'That literally happened to me,' says director and co-writer Amar Wala, who grew up in the multicultural east-Toronto suburb. 'I didn't know that Scarborough had this dangerous reputation growing up. To me, it was just Scarborough. It was fine.' The moment stuck with him. 'I told myself, 'I'm going to put this in a movie one day.' It took a while, but here it is.' 'Shook' stars Saamer Usmani as Ash, a South Asian twentysomething trying to make it as a novelist while navigating his family's unravelling, a romantic entanglement and the quiet class divisions of the Greater Toronto Area. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Carney to meet with three Métis groups on major projects bill today
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet today with three provincial Métis groups to discuss his government's major projects legislation. The legislation allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects that are deemed to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation. Carney is expected to be joined by the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Ontario. The Manitoba Métis Federation, which represents Red River Métis, declined an invitation to take part in the meeting Wednesday, saying that inviting the Métis Nation of Ontario undermines the integrity of the gathering and puts the government's plans for major projects at risk. The Manitoba Métis Federation says the Métis Nation of Ontario has no basis for existing and does not represent Métis. Carney will meet with Métis leaders alongside a handful of his ministers, including Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Métis Nation British Columbia said it wouldn't be attending the meeting because it wanted full participation but was only invited as an online observer. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2025.
