No, we did not consult with the Metis Settlements General Council. The reason we did not consult with the Metis Settlements General Council is that the agreement signed in February 2023 is a contract, and it's only binding on the parties that signed it.
We did include language at 15.05 of that contract that says:
Nothing in this Agreement impacts or affects the rights, jurisdiction, powers, or responsibilities of the Metis Settlements General Council or a Metis Settlement, including the ownership of Metis Settlement lands, as recognized in Alberta’s Metis Settlements Act, the Metis Settlements Land Protection Act, and the Constitution of Alberta Amendment Act.
I certainly heard the testimony from the Métis settlements that they feel more consultation was warranted. I had given earlier testimony to say that before the treaties that this legislation intends to give effect to can be finalized, before they can be signed and before they can be given legal force and effect, it is incumbent on the Government of Canada to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on any first nation or Métis people who are not represented by these governments. That will certainly include the Metis Settlements General Council, and we will have deep and meaningful consultation with them on the terms of that treaty.
I certainly appreciate that frustration was raised by the settlements and that they would have liked a discussion before the signing of this agreement. However, this is my answer, MP Idlout.