Métis Communities BC

Métis Federation Members

 

Re: Federal Election and Métis Issues

Members and Partners,

The Federal Election is set for October 19th which is only 10 days from today and this election remains close in terms of which of the major three Federal parties will form the next Federal Government; that being the NDP, Liberal or Conservative. The Green Party continues to build support across the country but remains with a much smaller portion of the popular vote.

Recently the Métis National Council asked each of the major parties about their commitments to Métis people in Canada through a series of key questions. BC Métis Federation is posting the responses today from the Liberal, Conservative and Green parties. The Conservative party made no effort to reply to the Métis National Council questions but has posted their Aboriginal platform which is included at the end of this letter.

BC Métis Federation has no connection with the Métis National Council and despite this listing today, the responses from the various political parties is worth sharing for our members and partners. It is clear that various parties are really out of touch with the approximately 400,000 Métis people in Canada for a variety of reasons including the massive dysfunctional state of Métis governance across Canada.

According to the Métis National Council financial statements, much like their governing member Métis Nation BC, they are over $2 million in organizational debt and highly insolvent. The Métis National Council has been ineffective and the millions provided each year to this organization have no positive impact for most Métis people in Canada. The Métis National Council provides a limited national “club” for some Métis people and while this may be useful for some, the average Métis person has no connection.

Despite this dysfunctional Métis governance it was surprising to review the party responses to the Métis National Council questions. The Green Party response was by far the most out of touch in terms of the role of the Métis National Council for 99% of Métis people in Canada. The Liberals and NDP were more objective and respectful of the notion that Métis people have a right to self governance and if elected their governments will ensure engagement with all Métis groups in Canada. I especially appreciated the inclusive responses on key issues of economic development and engagement through the Liberal platform.

Next week Canadians will elect their Federal Government. According to the Nanos poll today the race is becoming between the Liberals and Conservatives for the 338 Members of Parliament. As such the Métis vote will make a difference. The need to elect a party you support on Métis issues is important and I strongly encourage you to review the actual statements by each party to consider your options carefully.

It is going to be an exciting finish on October 19th so be sure to get out and vote!

To review the Métis National Council financial statements: https://www.metisnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MNC-Financial-Statement-2015.pdf.

Thank you,

Keith Henry

President

BC Métis Federation

Conservative Platform on Aboriginal Issues

Conservative Party

The Conservatives say election platforms will be released as the election campaign progresses. However, before the writ dropped the party made some big ticket pledges (including in the most recent federal budget);

• $215 million to provide skills development and training for Aboriginal peoples;
• $200 million for First Nations education and and schools;
• $30 million for a land management scheme aimed at helping economic development on reserves.
• Review the 94 recommendations released by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• Commit $567 million over five years to help build “stronger communities.”
• $500 million toward building and renovating schools on reserves.

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BC-Metis-Federation-Statement-on-Federal-Party-Metis-Responses-October-9th-2015.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download this statement as a PDF[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Liberal-Party-Response-Sept-21-2015-.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the Liberal Party Response as a PDF[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Green_Party_Responses_to_MNC_Questions.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download Green Party Responses to MNC Questions as a PDF[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/NDP_Response_to_MNC_Questions.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download NDP Response to MNC Questions as a PDF[/ilink]