Opinion: Métis Nation supports Trudeau and his government despite Wilson-Raybould testimony

Press Statement from the MMF

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and Minister of Veterans for the Métis National Council (MNC), is concerned that the recent testimony of the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould to the House of Commons Justice Committee may form the narrative of the relationship between the Government of Canada and Indigenous rights holders, namely, the Métis Nation.

"Her resignation as minister in no way undermines the work of reconciliation that has been done and will continue under Prime Minister Trudeau,” reads a press statement. “We regret that she left the job unfinished. It would be unfortunate if the media continued to give the impression that Indigenous peoples as a whole do not support the Prime Minister. Let me be clear: The Métis Nation supports Justin Trudeau and his government."

Wilson-Raybould gave testimony Wednesday to the House of Commons Justice Committee in her capacity as the former Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada.

"Let’s not make this about her being Indigenous or a woman. This is not about gender. This is not about identity. The commitments of leadership come the moment a person puts their name in the ballot box," said Anita Campbell, spokeswoman of the Infinity Women Secretariat of Manitoba.

Wilson’s testimony centred on any interference she may have experienced with regards to the Quebec engineering firm, SNC-Lavalin and Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) efforts. During her testimony she raised the important work of reconciliation undertaken by Prime Minister Trudeau’s federal government.

"The work this government has accomplished under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with support from ministers such as Carolyn Bennett, is a first and has moved forward the relationships and livelihoods of Métis across the Homeland," continued Chartrand. "We support this work and the MMF will continue to support this government."  

The MMF is one of five governing members of the Métis National Council currently engaged in nation-to-nation relationships with the Government of Canada. Through a permanent bilateral mechanism, the Métis Nation are co-signatories to important files such as Housing, Child Welfare legislation, Indigenous Languages legislation, Métis Sixties Scoop Consultations, the Environment, and Veterans, to name a few.

MMF President and MNC Veterans Affairs Minister David Chartrand stated, "I regret that she abandoned her post before a settlement could be reached with our Métis Veterans."