Métis Nation of Ontario logo (CNW Group/Métis Nation of Ontario)
The Metis Nation of Ontario is feeling positive as substantial investments were made in the recent federal budget that align with their goals.
MNO President Margaret Froh says an additional $2.5 billion investment to support childcare and early years programming will go a long way in improving the quality of life for Metis children and families across the province.
The budget also commits $1.2 billion to continue supporting the COVID-19 response in Indigenous communities, as well as mental health assistance through the following investments:
-$598 million to support a distinctions-based Mental Wellness Strategy
-$478 million to continue to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19
-$760 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund.
Froh points out the pandemic recovery will be longer for Metis communities compared to mainstream Canada.
She adds, “One of the things that this government has been very good on, is actually that COVID-19 recovery piece. That’s something that we’ve pushed very hard for and we’re seeing basically a fourth round of COVID help funding getting out.”
She stresses these are strong investments and commitments to action in support of the Metis population in Ontario.
“A lot of us were quite concerned that with all of the spending that’s been going on over the course of the last year, that this budget would be very light. What we are seeing are some pretty big significant investments in areas that are really important to Metis people in Ontario.”
Froh says these investments, as well as a commitment to co-develop an action plan to implement legislation on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, represents important progress on the path towards reconciliation.
The MNO highlights two other budget announcements:
-$460 million to support language reclamation and revitalization, Indigenous cultural spaces, sport programming for Indigenous women and girls and events to commemorate the legacy of residential schools.
-$4.3 billion for the distinctions-based Community Infrastructure Fund to support immediate demands and enable Metis citizens to build their capacity and improve their economic status.
To hear more from MNO President Margaret Froh, visit the Audio link below:
(With Files From Sarah McCarthy)
