The president of an organization that provides services to off-reserve Aboriginal people says he is hopeful yesterday’s federal court ruling, that recognizes Métis and non-status people under the constitution, will result in more funding for both groups.
Aboriginal Affairs Coalition President Kim Beaudin says he is optimistic the court decision will result in more federal funding in key areas such as employment training for Aboriginal people living off-reserve.
“We want to bridge that gap, particularly in large urban areas, with respect to Métis and non-status and even with people living off-reserve that may not necessarily be connected to their band or reserve,” he says.
In the ruling, the federal court determined Métis and non-status Indians must be recognized under the Canadian constitution along the same lines as First Nations and Inuit people.
Beaudin adds the government may decide to appeal the federal court ruling but the writing is on the wall and such a move would be a big waste of time.