REMINDER: MEDIA ADVISORY: Ontario Metis and Government of Ontario to Sign Framework Agreement That Commits to Pushing Federal Government on Metis Rights and Claims

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - April 17, 2014) - Prior to the release of the Federal Court of Appeal's highly anticipated judgment in Daniels v. Canada on whether the Government of Canada has constitutional responsibility for the Métis people, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), represented by MNO President Gary Lipinski, and the Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable David Zimmer, will sign a new, five-year Framework Agreement in Toronto.

The agreement builds on a previous agreement that was signed in 2008, while enhancing commitments to work together on Métis rights related issues, including "pursu[ing] discussions with the Government of Canada on Métis rights issues and the Crown's consultation duties" as well as supporting the MNO's governance capacity and improving the quality of life of Ontario Metis.

MNO President Gary Lipinski said, "This signing is timely because we expect the Federal Court of Appeal to uphold the conclusion that the Government of Canada has constitutional responsibility for Métis in the same way it does for First Nations and Inuit. This Framework Agreement, combined with ongoing court wins for Métis, signal it is only a matter of time until our people's rights and outstanding claims must be addressed by Canada."

WHAT: 
MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement Signing and MNO President comments on court decision in Daniels v. Canada

WHEN: 
Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. EST

WHERE: 
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Ministry Boardroom
160 Bloor Street East, 4^th Floor, Toronto, Ontario