Prime Minister Mark Carney called on Métis leaders Thursday to help transform the economy in response to an increasingly unsteady trade relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump.
“We have the opportunity to work together on transformative projects that can help change the economic trajectory of our country to the benefit of all,” Carney said to Métis leaders from Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the N.W.T. gathered in Ottawa for the meeting.
“As we build a new Canada, we’re going to build it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, and that’s why we’re here today.”
The meeting was called to discuss the Carney government’s major projects legislation, which allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects it deems to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation.
While the legislation was passed quickly in June with the support of the opposition Conservatives, it was widely condemned by Indigenous leaders who said their rights were not respected when the bill was being drafted. They also said they feared that their rights would not be upheld in project approvals and that they wouldn’t be adequately consulted.
Thursday’s meeting with Métis leaders is the last in the series of meetings the prime minister promised after the bill was passed. Carney and his cabinet have met already with First Nations and Inuit leaders.
The Manitoba Métis Federation, which represents Red River Métis, turned down an invitation to take part in the meeting Wednesday. It said that inviting the Métis Nation of Ontario undermined the integrity of the gathering and put the government’s plans for major projects at risk.
The Manitoba Métis Federation says the Métis Nation of Ontario has no basis for existing and does not represent Métis — a point of view shared by some Métis and First Nations that the Métis Nation of Ontario has pushed back against.
The Métis Nation British Columbia said it wouldn’t be attending the meeting because it was only invited as an online observer.
Carney was joined in the meeting by a handful of his ministers, including Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
After Carney made brief remarks to attendees, media were escorted out of the room before Métis leaders issued their opening statements.
“We are a strong and successful partner and are here to work with you,” said Métis Nation of Ontario President Margaret Froh, reads a written copy of her opening remarks shared with The Canadian Press.
“Métis communities in Ontario will continue to fight for Canada, while also protecting the lands and waters our communities rely on for their continued survival as distinct Indigenous communities.”
Métis Nation of Alberta president Andrea Sandmaier struck a similar tone.
“To make (major projects) happen, we need a seat at the table — not after decisions are made but from the very beginning, as partners,” Sandmaier said in prepared remarks.
“That includes clear, respectful consultation with both the federal government and with the province of Alberta.”
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