Minister Bennett Welcomes Thomas Isaac Report on Reconciliation with Métis
News Release
July 21, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, today released a report by Thomas Isaac, Ministerial Special Representative on Reconciliation with Métis.
Mr. Isaac led an engagement with Métis governments and organizations, provincial and territorial governments and other interested parties and made recommendations on the development of a Section 35 Métis rights framework as well as other initiatives to advance reconciliation with Métis. His mandate also included identifying options for moving forward with the MMF on the implementation of the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2013 judgement in Manitoba Metis Federation et al. v. Canada.
The Government of Canada welcomes Mr. Isaac’s report. We are fully committed to advancing a nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship with the Métis Nation through working in partnership with the Métis National Council, its Governing Members and the Métis Settlements General Council, on how the recommendations made in Mr. Isaac’s report could enhance and support the work we have already begun. Notably, we have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Reconciliation with the MMF on May 27, 2016, which sets out a mutually agreeable path forward on finding a shared solution on implementing the Manitoba Metis Federation Decision.
Quotes
“Reconciliation with the Métis is a priority for the Government of Canada. Our government is fully committed to working together with the Métis and to moving forward together based on a recognition of rights, cooperation and partnership. I want to thank Mr. Isaac for this important report.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Quick facts
- Aboriginal rights are collective rights of distinctive Aboriginal societies. These rights are recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of Canada's Constitution Act, 1982.
- The Supreme Court of Canada first affirmed the existence of Section 35 Métis rights in its 2003 Powley decision. This decision affirmed a right to hunt for food for the Métis community in and around Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It also established the legal test to identify Section 35 Métis rights-bearing communities.
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