SURREY - At the July 10, 2023 Board Meeting, the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Board of Directors unanimously ratified the establishment of two new Ministry portfolios for Tourism, and Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
The creation of these portfolios highlights the significance of Tourism and Agriculture and Food Sovereignty to the Métis Nation. The two portfolios have been integrated into existing Ministries at MNBC, aiming to bolster efforts and strengthen the focus on economic development and environmental protection.
Tourism, a cornerstone of economic growth and cultural preservation for the Métis Nation, has been integrated into the Ministry of Economic Development. Recognizing the need for specialized advocacy, the MNBC Board of Directors appointed Louis De Jaeger as the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. Minister De Jaeger's experience and visionary approach are expected to help drive tourism related initiatives forward. To further enhance advocacy in the sector, Dean Gladue was appointed as the Associate Minister of Tourism, contributing invaluable support and expertise to the portfolio.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has been enriched with the addition of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. With a deep-rooted understanding of environmental conservation and agricultural practices, Susie Hooper was appointed as the Minister of Environmental Protection, Agriculture, and Food Sovereignty. To complement and strengthen her efforts, Paulette Flamond has been appointed as the Associate Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, bringing her expertise and passion for agriculture to the forefront of the portfolio.
The establishment of Associate Minister positions for these new portfolios aligns with the MNBC Board's vision of promoting comprehensive representation and informed decision-making. The appointments are consistent with the MNBC Board’s commitment to the prosperity and well-being of the Métis Nation and will ensure a robust approach to addressing the concerns and aspirations of the Métis Nation on matters of Tourism, and Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.