TIMMINS --- Today, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President, Gary Lipinski, joined with local and regional Métis leadership in Timmins to sign a historic Protocol, which aims to ensure the Crown fulfills its constitutional duty to consult and accommodate Métis rights, interest and way of life in the region.

The Protocol is the first of its kind within the Métis Nation. It commits various levels of Métis government to work together to ensure all Métis citizens who live in and use the Métis traditional territories of Abitibi/Temiscamigue and James Bay will be consulted in relation to upcoming hydroelectric, mining and forestry developments in these territories.

Based on this Protocol, Métis will be participating in the upcoming environmental assessment on Ontario Power Generation’s Lower Mattagami Hydroelectric Project that is overseen the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency as well as engaging mining companies to ensure Métis rights and interests are considered in future exploration and development in the region.

“With this Protocol, the Métis Nation is building on the Supreme Court of Canada’s affirmation of Métis rights in the landmark Powley case. By working together, the MNO and its Community Councils will ensure all Métis citizens will have a say on what is being done on the lands they have relied on for generations,” said President Lipinski.

Lipinski concluded, “This community-driven initiative will also ensure Métis in the region begin to benefit from the energy, forestry and mining development that is happening within their traditional territories. I want to congratulate the local and regional Metis leadership who have worked so hard to see this Protocol become a reality.”

CONTACT:
Chelsey Quirk
MNO Communications Branch
T: 613.798.1488
TF: 800.263.4889