Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty Act

Summary#

This bill gives legal force to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty, signed on November 30, 2024. It recognizes the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) as the government of the Red River Métis for the purposes set out in the Treaty, and makes related changes to federal information and privacy laws. It also approves a separate tax treatment agreement.

• The Treaty becomes law and is binding on everyone. If it conflicts with a federal law, the Treaty wins.
• Red River Métis laws have legal status. Courts must recognize them, and the Federal Court can review certain MMF decisions after internal appeals are used.
• A tax treatment agreement tied to the Treaty is made legally effective while it is in force, but it is not itself a constitutional treaty.
• The Treaty and tax agreement must be published so the public and courts can rely on them.
• Federal Cabinet can make regulations to carry out the Treaty and must give the MMF a real chance to help shape those rules.
• Past MMF actions that would have been valid under the Treaty are treated as valid.
• The MMF is added to federal Access to Information and Privacy laws to allow proper information sharing and protection.

What it means for you#

• Red River Métis citizens

  • Your government (the MMF) is formally recognized in federal law as a self-governing partner under the Treaty.
  • Programs and rules the MMF makes under Red River Métis law will have clear legal standing. If you challenge an MMF administrative decision, you must use its appeal steps first; then the Federal Court can review it.
  • Tax rules affecting the MMF (and possibly related bodies) will be set in a separate tax agreement. Details will be published.

• Manitoba residents

  • Day-to-day services may feel the same, but you may see more programs run directly by the MMF for Red River Métis citizens.
  • This bill deals with federal law. It does not change provincial laws in Manitoba.

• Businesses and service providers

  • If you work with the MMF, expect clearer authority for MMF laws and procedures (for example, program rules or procurement policies).
  • Federal departments may share some information with the MMF to run programs or enforce laws, under federal privacy safeguards.

• General public

  • Courts must accept the Treaty, the tax agreement, and Red River Métis laws without needing special proof. These documents will be publicly available.
  • Red River Métis laws are not federal regulations, so they do not go through the usual federal regulation process, but they must be recorded in a public registry named in the Treaty.

Expenses#

Estimated annual cost: No publicly available information.

• The bill does not include a funding table. Any fiscal impacts would be set out in the Treaty’s implementation plans or future budgets, which are not included here.

Proponents' View#

• It advances reconciliation by recognizing the Red River Métis right to self-government in Canadian law.
• It provides clarity and certainty: everyone knows the Treaty’s rules apply if they conflict with federal laws.
• It supports better services by allowing proper information sharing with the MMF under privacy safeguards.
• It aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determination.
• The tax agreement offers clear, stable tax treatment for the MMF and related entities, reducing disputes.

Opponents' View#

• The Treaty’s priority over conflicting federal laws could create legal complexity and uncertainty until courts interpret key points.
• Costs of implementation are not disclosed here, raising concerns about unknown fiscal impacts.
• Adding new information-sharing pathways may worry some about privacy, even with safeguards.
• Because Red River Métis laws are not federal regulations, they do not follow federal regulatory review steps, which some may see as less transparent to non-members.
• Some may want clearer public explanations of which subjects the MMF can legislate on and how those powers interact with federal and provincial programs.