Gabriel Ste-Marie on Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty Act

In the House of Commons on April 22nd, 2026. See this statement in context.

Bill C-21 Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty ActGovernment Orders

April 22nd, 2026 / 5:40 p.m.

Bloc

Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette—Manawan, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to come back to an historical issue regarding the impact on the Métis population and on Manitoba today.

The Manitoba Act established the province of Manitoba in 1870, but it was limited to a very small territory and did not get control over its natural resources, unlike British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, which both joined Confederation around the same time. Manitoba and Ontario then got into a boundary dispute over the forest. The Privy Council in London granted a large forested area to Ontario. The Privy Council would later state that it is Ontario, not Ottawa, that holds the rights to its natural resources.

What concerns does this raise for the Métis Nation and the people of Manitoba to this day?

See context to find out what was said next.