Metis groups in northern Alberta receive provincial funding to challenge federal ban on tankers

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The nations of Fort McKay and Willow Lake Metis have received provincial funding to legally challenge Bill C-48, the federal government’s ban on tankers north of Vancouver Island.

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The $ 372,000 funding comes from the Alberta government’s Indian Litigation Fund. Both Metis groups say the ban challenges their economic prosperity.

“Bill C-48 limits Alberta’s ability to access international markets, which in turn negatively impacts our economy, our prosperity, and our ability to provide, protect, and advance our people,” said Justin. Bourque, vice president and CEO of Willow Lake Métis Nation. . “The federal government did this without compromising, consulting, or incorporating our views. This is not honorable nor is it consistent with reconciliation. “

Bill C-48, better known as the Tanker Ban, was passed in 2018 and prohibits tankers carrying crude oil as cargo from stopping or unloading at ports or along the northern coast of British Columbia. It stretches from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the Canadian border with Alaska.

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Prime Minister Jason Kenney told a news conference Monday that the funding was a step toward reconciliation. He called the legal challenge a “credible legal claim.”

“We take this approach because the vast majority of indigenous groups are in favor of responsible development, but too often they have been forgotten, ignored and marginalized in the debate on resource development in Canada,” said Kenney.

Metis Nation of Alberta condemns provincial funding

The Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) rejected the Alberta government’s decision to provide financial support to the Fort McKay and Willow Lake Metis Nations. The two community groups are not part of the MNA.

In a statement Monday, MNA President Audrey Poitras called them “illegitimate, undemocratic and irresponsible organizations.” She opposed the two groups that claimed to represent Métis interests.

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“This is a bad decision by the prime minister and represents a clear misuse of public money,” Poitras said. “These organizations are not elected or accountable to anyone and are made up of non-Métis people. These organizations do not speak for the Métis Nation, the Métis people or the Métis communities in Alberta. “

Ron Quintal, president of Fort McKay Métis Nation, ignored the statement at the press conference.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate that they can condemn anything. When it is better that they look in the mirror, if they are going to condemn some type of embezzlement or inappropriate behavior, ”says Quintal.

In 2020, the Alberta government recognized Fort McKay Metis as a self-governing Indian community. The MNA is challenging the Alberta government’s decision in court.

The MNA has more than 51,000 registered citizens. An agreement with the federal government recognizes them as the only democratically elected government of Métis citizens in Alberta.