Statement by Minister Carolyn Bennett on Louis Riel Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 16, 2018) – The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:

 “Today I am pleased to join the Métis Nation of Ontario in Toronto as they celebrate Louis Riel Day. By honouring the legacy of Louis Riel and his accomplishments, we are also honouring Métis history and the many contributions of Métis to Canadian society. We are at the same time paying tribute to the Métis Nation, their rich culture and their resilience.

Louis Riel was a founder of Manitoba and a key contributor to Canadian Confederation; he was also a champion of fundamental values and principles that Canadians hold dear today, including equality and social justice. And for that, all Canadians can be proud and thankful.

In the spirit of Louis Riel and everything he stood for, we are moving forward in a respectful, renewed relationship with the Métis Nation, charting a way towards reconciliation and the promise of an ever stronger and more vibrant Nation.

The Government of Canada is grateful to the Métis Nation for all their hard work in carrying on the legacy and vision of Louis Riel. We are proud of the progress we have made, and look forward to the work we will continue to do together. Strong, collaborative relationships are how we are going to get it done. Let us take this opportunity to celebrate Métis history and culture as ‎we look towards a better future with the Métis Nation as we walk the path of reconciliation together.”