News Release – For Immediate Release
VICTORIA, BC – Today, the Government of British Columbia delivered Budget 2025, which is overwhelmingly focused on meeting the challenges created by the tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States. While Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) applauds the government’s focus on addressing the risks associated with the tariffs, MNBC is disappointed that Budget 2025 falls short in addressing the urgent needs of MNBC’s 28,000 registered Citizens and the 98,000 self-identified Métis people in British Columbia.
“We clearly understand the challenges both our country and this province face with US tariffs imposed on us,” said Patrick Harriott, MNBC Treasurer. “That said, this budget lacks distinct funding for Métis people in several key areas MNBC is working to advance including health, communities, justice, housing, economic development, childcare, and funding for education in K-12 support.”
All Indigenous Peoples, including Métis in British Columbia have the right to a healthy and robust economy, including financial and technical assistance to support their rights and interests. MNBC’s budget request asked for $25.8 million to support Métis specific social programs and services such as Métis child welfare, education, as well as helping to address the urgent need of mental health and harm reduction resources in Métis Chartered Communities. This modest Budget 2025 request was made in recognition of the current economic climate. Yet, economic measures, like the US tariffs, disproportionately impact vulnerable communities like Métis, First Nation, and urban Indigenous peoples and communities. Budget 2025 does little to support vulnerable communities through this trade war. Budget 2025 also falls well short of the commitments made in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and our submission to meet these Métis specific needs.
“This budget underlines that there is still much work to do, and we are committed to continuing to build on our relationship with the provincial government to achieve better outcomes for our Métis Citizens,” said Harriott. “We understand the current economic climate, but we need to stand up to support our communities through this crisis.”
Despite lack of Métis funding, MNBC is committed to playing our part in standing with the provincial government against US tariffs. In this trade war, MNBC will not be idle. We are taking actions to address this urgent threat including a commitment to Métis-made products and services wherever possible. We will review and reassess all existing US vendor contracts in favour of Métis and Canadian alternatives and are encouraging corporate partners to source from Métis businesses in procurement. We can also be part of the solution in reducing or eliminating inter provincial trade barriers by leveraging our business and economic networks with Métis businesses across the Homeland.
For more information please contact: media@mnbc.ca
About Métis Nation British Columbia
Métis Nation British Columbia represents the section 35 rights of approximately 28,000 Métis Citizens who are registered with MNBC and advocates for the over 98,000 self-identified Métis in British Columbia. MNBC represents thirty-nine (39) Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia. MNBC’s mandate is to develop and enhance opportunities for Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. MNBC is recognized by the Government of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada. MNBC is the government for Métis in BC.
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