Thursday, December 10, 2015
Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
Province Strengthening Relationship with Indigenous Partners
Yesterday, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Secretariat Act was passed in the Ontario legislature, receiving unanimous support from all parties.
The legislation recognizes the MNO's unique democratic nature and allows it to operate more effectively under existing provincial corporate law. For example, the legislation would encourage greater involvement of youth, particularly those under the age of 18, in the work of the Secretariat, without the usual requirements that corporate law applies to directors.
The Secretariat is the corporate and administrative arm of the MNO and is distinct from other Ontario not-for-profit corporations in a number of ways. For example, MNO has a democratic practice of electing its directors or councillors through province-wide elections.
Building positive relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic and innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- The Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act was introduced in the legislature December 2, 2015
- The Métis Nation of Ontario is the province’s main Indigenous partner on Métis issues.
- The legislation will allow the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat’s structure to operate more effectively under the Corporations Act and the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010.
- The Métis Nation of Ontario was actively engaged during the process of developing the legislation.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"This act will have a positive impact on the corporate functioning of the Metis Nation of Ontario Secretariat. I’m pleased that the parties were able to work together in the legislature to pass the bill quickly."
— David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services
"The Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act is another step forward on the path to reconciliation. This is the result of a collaborative effort between our government and the Métis Nation of Ontario and demonstrates our government’s willingness to be responsive to our Indigenous partners."
— David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
"The Métis Nation of Ontario is very pleased to see the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act passed by the Ontario government. This new legislation is the result of the kind of collaborative work between the MNO and the Ontario government that was contemplated when we signed the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement. It will ensure that the MNO's governance structure is recognized and respected under Ontario law and is a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together."
— Gary Lipinski, President, Métis Nation of Ontario
Media Contacts:
Lauren Souch
Minister’s Office
416-212-3721
Anne-Marie Flanagan
Communications Branch
416-314-6626
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