Honourable John Milloy, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and MNO President Gary Lipinski.

TORONTO (May 6, 2008) – In his acceptance speech, new Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski spoke of wanting “to enhance MNO’s ability to further assist Métis people…” in several areas including Education, so it is no surprise that his first meeting was with the Honourable John Milloy, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

President Lipinski focused on the need to improve Métis education outcomes and to address the labour market and skills training needs of Métis people as essential to improving the quality of life of Métis children, families and communities in the province.

Pressing forward President Lipinski proposed to Minister Milloy for the establishment of an ongoing working relationship as part of the overall MNO-Ontario bilateral process, to identity and operationalize potential opportunities and partnerships which can address the unique labour market needs of the Métis people in the province, thereby, strengthening the overall prosperity and; competitiveness of the Ontario economy.

The four key areas for potential engagement include:

• Capacity support for 2008/09
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MTCU and MNO to create a stronger working partnership
• Labour Market Delivery
• Targeted enhancement of existing MNO scholarship and bursaries to address shortages in the energy sector

The MNO tabled with the Minister a draft copy of the MOU and an MNO bursary Enhancement proposal. Minister Milloy committed to a full review of the proposals and documents provided and indicated that as first steps he would be discussing the MNO’s proposals with the Honourable Michael Bryant, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Minister Bryant is leading the Ontario governments recently announced negotiations with the MNO to develop a Framework Agreement which will build on, and strengthen, the Ontario-MNO bilateral process and attempt to increase Métis engagement with Ontario line Ministries.

For further information contact Jennifer St. Germain, MNO Director of Education and Training at (800) 263-4889 ext. 101 or via email at jennifers@metisnation.org