MMF Applauds Trudeau Government For Historic Recognition of Métis Veterans

September 9, 2019

Regina, SK - Today the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is celebrating a long-awaited formal apology to Métis Veterans who served during the Second World War. The apology comes as part of the formal unveiling of the Canada-Métis Nation Métis Veterans Recognition Payment Agreement.

"I want to personally thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Lawrence MacAulay for today's statement and apology to our Métis Veterans," said MMF President and Metis National Council Minister Responsible for Veterans, David Chartrand." This federal government has shown great leadership taking action to correct the wrongs done to our Métis Nation Veterans who joined Canada's call to arms only to be met with broken promises upon their return."

Today's announcement comes after nearly three quarters of a century of inaction by other Governments, and years of negotiating acknowledgement and compensation. Today's announcement is also part of Canada's efforts to fully recognize Métis Veterans' sacrifices.

"Looking back, it is clear that the pre- and post-Second World War experiences some Métis Veterans faced may have negatively affected their successful re-establishment in civilian life following the Second World War," said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. Many experienced prejudice, poverty, and a relative lack of pre-war education, vocational skills, and work experiences. We apologize that the benefits offered to Veterans after the war were not well designed to meet Métis Veterans' specific needs. For example, many Métis Veterans did not possess the required pre-requisites to access education and training."

"This is a historic step towards reconciliation," added President Chartrand. "Métis Veterans were instrumental in Canada's World War 2 efforts. By acknowledging their efforts and apologizing for not doing this sooner, shows this Prime Minister and government are serious about righting past wrongs. For that, I am truly grateful."

Along with celebrating today's announcement, President Chartrand is diligently searching for any surviving Métis Veterans of the Second World War. He has and will continue to travel their homes to thank them in person and to present them with compensation cheques as part of this agreement. As part of today's event, President Chartrand will present a cheque for $20,000 to another Metis Veteran.

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