Alberta-MNA Framework Agreement Ratified and Métis Consultation Policy to be Developed

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Edmonton, AB (May 16, 2008) – On Monday May 12, the MNA Provincial Council met in Edmonton. It was the first formal meeting of the Provincial Council since the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench upheld the MNA Judiciary Council’s suspension of Region One Vice-President, Rick Boucher. All 13 MNA Provincial Council members were in attendance.

At the meeting, the Provincial Council dealt with many pressing issues of priority to Métis citizens and the Métis Nation as a whole, including the ratification of the seven year Alberta-MNA Framework Agreement and its subsidiary funding and linedepartment sub-agreements.

“I am pleased that we were able to move forward together in order to begin dealing with issues that really matter to Métis children, families and communities in Alberta. By ratifying our new Alberta-MNA Framework Agreement, we can now ensure that all MNA offices are able to receive their annual funding in a timely manner this year. As well, we can now resume our important work with the Alberta Government on priority issues like housing, economic development, child and family services and education,” said MNA President Audrey

Poitras.Poitras added, “I am also pleased that the Provincial Council unanimously agreed to move forward on developing a Métis Consultation Policy in order to ensure the Crown begins to fulfill its duty to consult and accommodate Métis rights, interests and way of life in the province. Similar to how we consulted our people on developing our Métis Harvesting Policy, we will hopefully soon be able to undertake province-wide consultations on the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate and develop a Métis Consultation Policy.

”The next Provincial Council meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2008.For additional information contact:

Marilyn Underschultz
Ph: (780) 455-2200