Mr. Speaker, today we join the Métis Nation, Manitobans and Canadians across the country in commemorating Louis Riel, a courageous national leader and an advocate for justice for the Métis people.
Riel is also regarded as a founder of the province of Manitoba. He was executed unjustly for defending the rights of his people.
Today, we recommit to working with the Métis people in the pursuit of justice. This includes immediately establishing a negotiation process between Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation to settle the outstanding land claim.
We are in favour of a federal claims settlement process for the Métis, stable funding for core activities, and significant investment in education and training.
If we are going to move toward true reconciliation, we must establish a nation-to-nation relationship with the Métis nation.
The NDP remains committed to establishing that nation-to-nation relationship. We will continue to work with the Métis nation to achieve Louis Riel's vision of a fair and inclusive country for all.