Bill C-53

What is Bill C-53?

Bill C-53: An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments, and to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.

Despite urgent calls for Canada to pause before moving ahead, and the release of further academic research undermining the factual and legal basis for MNO’s claims, Canada introduced Bill C-53 into Parliament. The bill would recognize the communities represented by the MNO as having the s. 35 Aboriginal right to self-government. First Nations across Canada and the Manitoba Métis Federation maintain that the communities represented by the MNO did not exist historically and therefore cannot be eligible to be recognized as having section 35 rights. 

The Manitoba Métis Federation has called for the removal of MNO from Bill C-53.  First Nations in the Ontario Region are calling for Bill C- 53 to be withdrawn so that there is proper due diligence by Canada and consultation with First Nations before the Bill is passed, to prevent a mistake that will harm legitimate rights-holders for generations to come. Canada has repeatedly claimed Bill C-53 will have no impact on First Nations, ignoring MNO’s longstanding and increasingly aggressive demands to First Nation lands and rights in Ontario.

To see media coverage and reports on Bill C-53, click here:

News articles related to Bill C-53

Métis Nation of Ontario’s attempt to gain self-government recognition is not right

March 4, 2024 • The Hill Times

Federal Court orders Ottawa to make changes to self-government deal struck with Métis Nation of Alberta

March 28, 2024 • CBC

Don’t experiment with First Nations rights

February 27, 2024 • The Hill Times

Crown-Indigenous Relations on the hot seat answering questions about Bill C-53

Dec 1, 2023 APTN

Ottawa didn't verify disputed Metis communities covered by federal bill: official

Dec 1, 2023 CTV

Minister blames 'misconceptions' for concerns over Métis self-government bill

Nov 30, CBC

Ottawa must withdraw legislation recognizing Métis governments, says AFN interim chief

Nov 29, 2023 Global and Mail

AFN Interim National Chief Urges Canada to Withdraw Bill C-53 and Initiate National Consultation Process

Nov 29, 2023 NetNewsLedger

NAN Grand Chief lays out First Nations objections to Bill C-53

Nov 2023 CBC

Inuk MP urges Métis, First Nations to stand in solidarity over Bill C-53

Nov 9, 2023 WindSpeaker

Manitoba Métis leaders warn MPs against legislation recognizing Métis Nation of Ontario

Nov 8, 2023 CBC

First Nations appearing at standing committee come out hard against Métis self-governance legislation

Nov 3, 2023 WindSpeaker

First Nation chiefs tell Parliamentary committee to ‘kill’ Métis self government legislation

Nov 3, 2023 APTN

MMF denounces Ont. group’s claims

September 23, 2023 Brandon Sun

BC Assembly of First Nation Restates Strong Opposition to Bill Which Would Officially Recognize Certain Métis Governments

September 21, 2023 CHNR Network

Ontario chiefs’ rally turns up the heat on Métis self-government legislation

September 21, 2023 WindSpeaker

Assembly of First Nations endorses fight against Ontario Métis self-government bill

September 20, 2023 APTN

‘Kill the bill on the hill’: First Nations in Ontario voice their opposition to Métis self government bill

September 20, 2023 APTN

Judge questions First Nations' right to challenge Ontario Métis self government

Aug 9, 2023 CBC

Kill the bill, say First Nations as they unite in opposition to Métis self-governance legislation

July 17, 2023 WindSpeaker

Chiefs of Ontario United Against Bill C-53, Citing Infringement on First Nations Rights

July 5, 2023 NetNewsLedger

Canada ‘dishonourable’ for recognizing Métis, says NAN council

June 23, 2023 Timmins Press

Canada ‘dishonourable’ for recognizing rights for ‘alleged Métis’ within Nishnawbe Aski Nation, says council

June 21, 2023 WindSpeaker