Tansi, hello, bonjour.
I'm here today on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin people to speak about the proposed legislation to recognize a Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and their right to self-governance.
This is my first appearance before this committee in my new role. Thank you for all the work you've done on this bill, and I look forward to working with all of you in the future.
Before I proceed, let me thank all of you. I've been on this committee for many years, and I miss the collegiality and co-operation this committee offered. I want to thank each and every one of you for the work you do.
I want to speak today about the opportunity that is in front of us. This legislation is an opportunity to realize Métis visions for self-determination where Métis self-governance rights are recognized in law. It is an opportunity to set right a long-standing wrong, when Canadian laws and governments failed generations of Métis. It is an opportunity to work towards reconciliation based on nation-to-nation relationships.
For centuries, the Métis have fought for their rights. They've registered as non-profits and lobbied governments. They've built their governance structures and institutions and they've turned to the courts to advance their legitimate rights and claims.
The Constitution Act of 1982 included section 35, which recognizes and affirms the existing aboriginal and treaty rights of three distinct aboriginal peoples, including Métis.
Since then, court decisions have served to clarify these rights and have established legal tests to determine the scope and content of aboriginal rights and which groups hold them. This includes the Powley decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in 2003, which offered further guidance on Métis membership.
Last February, Canada signed updated self-government agreements with the MNA, MNO and MN-S. These agreements affirm each of the Métis governments as indigenous governments with jurisdiction over their core governance matters.
The proposed bill would recognize these Métis governments as indigenous governments. It would provide a legislative framework to give legal force and effect to future core governance treaties, including over citizenship, leadership selection and internal administration.
This legislation does not deal with harvesting rights, and it does not deal with land-related rights or with the self-government treaties of MNO, MN-S and MNA that are contemplated to have either harvesting or land use rights.
The proposed legislation would impact only those who have elected to be citizens of the Métis governments. Let me be clear: It does not affect the section 35 rights of any other indigenous group in any way.
This does not affect the rights conferred on any other indigenous group under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
If future treaties impact other section 35 rights holders, they will be consulted, and that's a legal obligation.
Consultation and recognition of self-governance are both grounded in the United Nations declaration, a road map to reconciliation. The UN declaration act is not just a promise: It is an obligation for the government to support self-determination and self-governance for all indigenous peoples. This legislation is what the UNDA looks like in practice.
I acknowledge that some have raised concerns that are largely based on misconceptions, and today I'm here to clear those up. I'm committed to continuing our collective work with the MNA, MNO and MN-S.
The fight for rights has been a long one, and it hasn't been easy. In this committee room alone, Métis people have listened to some try to deny their existence as a distinct people. I urge the members of this committee to come together to recognize that the fight for rights is an important one and one that should be bipartisan.
The proposed legislation was co-developed, and it's based on Métis needs, priorities and visions for a better future. It is a product of their many, many hours of work and advocacy. A future in which these Métis rights are recognized in legislation and are respected by the Government of Canada is within reach.
I look forward to answering your questions, and I want to thank the officials at the table and many who are not here for their enormous work in getting us to this point.
I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you.