Government of Canada Renews Partnership With Labrador Métis Nation
OTTAWA, January 18, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced funding of $145,189 for the Labrador Métis Nation. The funds will enable the organization to continue to promote its membership's interests on various social, economic, political and cultural issues."Our Government is committed to encouraging Métis voices in Canadian society," said Minister Frulla. "I am convinced that this funding will help the Labrador Métis Nation to advance Métis perspectives when governments and the private sector develop policies, programs and services."
The Labrador Métis Nation represents the interests of some 7000 Métis in Labrador. The funding announced today will assist the organization to maintain an office, pay staff and cover administrative costs. It will also allow the organization to hire a communications officer and provide information via the Internet and other media regarding Métis rights in the wake of the Powley decision.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP) as well as through one-time Post-Powley funding available this fiscal year to assist Métis organizations to deal with enquiries relating to the Powley case.
The goal of the AROP is to maintain a consultative framework of Inuit, Métis, and Non-Status Indian representative organizations through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The AROP is managed by the Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Jean-Philippe Côté
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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