The Metis Nation-Saskatchewan has withdrawn its support of federal legislation on Metis self-governance.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, President Glen McCallum says the Metis Nation is withdrawing its support of Bill C-53.
The bill was proposed legislation currently before the federal government which would give Metis governments in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario a self-governance treaty with Ottawa.
The legislation did see opposition from some Ontario First Nations, however, at the time the MN-S stood in support of the legislation.
In Wednesday’s statement, McCallum says the “one-size-fits-all” approach to the bill does not recognize the “unique context” of the MN-S and they are withdrawing support from the bill to pursue their own self-governance treaty with the federal government.
“Bill C-53 does not need to be part of our journey to completing and ratifying Treaty. At this stage, it is ultimately holding us back,” McCallum was quoted in the release. “We will achieve self-government our own way, on our own terms that respects and upholds our identity, culture, values, and language.”
A press conference is planned for Thursday morning where MN-S leadership are expected to speak on the matter.
(Top Photo: MN-S President Glen McCallum. File Photo)