Métis Nation Economic Development Good for Canadian Economy

MNC President Clément Chartier responds to Speech from the Throne

(November 19) Ottawa, ON – Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is calling on the Conservative government to ensure Métis have full access to economic development opportunities in Canada, and for the Métis Nation to have a meaningful role in mapping out Canada’s economic future.

“When Métis people have access to economic development, it doesn’t just benefit the Métis Nation, it benefits the entire Canadian economy,” said President Chartier. “I hope the Conservative government is sincere in its commitment to ensure Aboriginal people fully share in economic opportunities, as indicated in today’s throne speech.”

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Supreme Court Won’t Hear Johnston Family Appeal
Ottawa, ON – Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier expressed his disappointment today with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision not to hear Grace Johnston’s appeal to block the disinterment of her late son, Constable Leo Johnston.

Const. Johnston was one of four RCMP officers killed in the line of duty in Mayerthorpe, Alberta in March 2005. A citizen of the Métis Nation, Const. Johnston was buried in his hometown, the Métis community of Lac La Biche, Alberta.

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Chuck Strahl to Continue as Federal Interlocutor for Métis
Ottawa, ON (October 30, 2008)– Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier applauded Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to have Chuck Strahl continue as Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Minister of Indian Affairs.

“This is very good news for the Métis Nation,” said President Chartier. “We have developed an excellent working relationship with Minister Strahl and I look forward to building on it even further.”

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Read the Métis Nation Protocol

Métis National Council eager to work with Conservative Government
Ottawa, ON (October 15) – Métis National Council President Clément Chartier today offered his congratulations to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada on winning another minority government.

“Just prior to the election call we started to forge a new relationship between the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada with the signing of the Métis Nation Protocol,” said President Chartier. “With a new mandate from the Canadian people, I look forward to building this relationship even stronger with Prime Minister Harper, his Cabinet and the Conservative Caucus.”

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On September 29th, 2008, Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council (MNC) wrote to all federal parties requesting their policy positions on Métis issues. Read the responses.