MNO President Lipinski Praises 2016 Federal Budget as Landmark for Indigenous Peoples

OTTAWA, ON --(Marketwired - March 22, 2016) - In a statement today, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski praised the 2016 Federal Budget introduced in Parliament by Finance Minister Bill Morneau. "What we saw in Parliament today was truly historic," commented President Lipinski, "the government is invested unprecedented funds in its relationship with Indigenous peoples and it is honouring its commitment to deal with Indigenous peoples on a nation-to-nation basis."

President Lipinski cited the government's provision of $25 million over five years on a Métis Nation economic development strategy as being especially heartening. "Here we see the government keeping its word on a measure that will do immeasurable good to strengthen Métis communities, businesses and governments across Canada," explained President Lipinski.

"One of the most critical commitments made in the budget," said President Lipinski, "is the $96 million over five years the federal government is committing to engage Indigenous governments like the MNO in order to make progress on the issues that are important to us. This is truly dealing with Indigenous governments on a nation-to-nation basis."

Métis communities and people can also expect to benefit from the federal government's impressive investment of $8.4 billion dollars over five years to improve socio-economic conditions for Indigenous peoples. "These investments will include education, infrastructure and training," stated President Lipinski, "and it will make a huge inter-generational difference in the lives of Métis and other Indigenous peoples."

"Another key element of the budget," added President Lipinski, "is the commitment to renew the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). ASETS has been very important to the MNO and has helped many Métis youth become true success stories and role models. We look forward to this program continuing to make a big difference for our people and especially our youth."

"We were also pleased to see the government repeat its commitment to the National Inquiry in to Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls," concluded President Lipinski.