Ref. #2-3303

Calgary, Alberta (December 18, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians, and Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier, together with the MNC Board of Governors, the Métis Settlements General Council and Aboriginal Affairs Ministers from the five western-most provinces met this week to discuss Métis Nation economic development.

This meeting of Ministers and Métis leaders stems in part from the Métis Nation Protocol, signed in September 2008 by President Chartier and Minister Strahl. The Protocol commits the Government of Canada to work with the MNC and its Governing Members on issues important to the Métis Nation.

"This was a historic meeting that brought federal, provincial and Métis leadership to share best practices and discuss the economic development issues, challenges and opportunities facing Métis people across the country," said Minister Strahl. "Through our Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, we are committed to fundamental change in the approach to supporting economic development, one that finds concrete solutions to ensure that Métis, First Nation and Inuit fully share in economic opportunities across Canada."

On December 15, 2009 in Calgary, Alberta, the Ministers and Métis leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities of fostering Métis-specific economic development initiatives and programs. It was agreed they would meet again next year and report back on tangible results achieved.

"Making Métis communities 'investment ready' is one area where the partnership of federal, provincial and Métis governments will pay the biggest dividends," said President Chartier. "The economic opportunities before us are great and I am confident we can, and will, work collaboratively towards their realization."

The meeting was followed by a two-day Métis Economic Development Symposium. Officials from the five western-most provinces, the federal government, the Métis National Council and its Governing Members, the Métis Settlements General Council and private industry discussed ways to more effectively utilize existing provincial and federal programs and services to support Métis Nation economic development goals.

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