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MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO RECEIVES $100,000 IN GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FUNDING

Midland, Ontario (November 27, 2004) - The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians along with the Honourable Paul DeVillers, M.P., for Simcoe North today announced $100,000 in Government of Canada funding for the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO).

The funding was announced at a meeting with the MNO in Midland, Ontario. During the meeting Mr. DeVillers was presented with his Métis Membership Card by the President of the MNO, Tony Belcourt. This developmental funding will help the MNO improve its capacity, consult its members and actively participate in tripartite discussions focussed on health.

"These funds support the Government of Canada's commitment to Aboriginal people, improving health services and reducing the gap in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada," said Minister Scott. "By helping the MNO build capacity, consult with its members and move forward on tripartite partnerships in the area of health, we are increasing life opportunities for Métis."

"We appreciate the Government of Canada coming to the table and recognizing the importance of dealing with the Métis Nation agenda in Ontario," said Tony Belcourt, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario. "This initiative is one that we have been seeking for some time and we are grateful that we can begin discussions that are of common interest to the Métis Nation and the federal and Ontario governments through the tripartite process."

"I am very pleased to receive my Métis Membership Card, and am proud of my Métis heritage as it is an important part of who I am," stated Mr. DeVillers. "The funds announced today have the potential to make a difference to all Métis."

Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Joseph Volpe added: "It is most appropriate that we can announce today, when Mr. DeVillers signs his Metis membership card, our contribution to the Metis Nation of Ontario so it can continue to represent the interests of the Metis of our province."

This funding, through the Office of the Federal Interlocutor, builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to Aboriginal peoples. The role of the Federal Interlocutor was created in 1985, to provide a direct liaison between the Government of Canada and organizations representing these groups. The Honourable Andy Scott, as the Interlocutor, advocates for the benefit of Métis and Non-Status Indians (MNSI) as well as all urban Aboriginal people in Cabinet, with other levels of government, with partners and other stakeholders to improve the life chances of MNSI and urban Aboriginal peoples.

For further information contact:

Diane Laursen
INAC Media Relations
(819) 994-2044

Beverley Newton
Métis Nation of Ontario
1-613-798-1488

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