MNO President Lipinski Represents Ontario Metis During Meeting With Prime Minister and Premiers on Climate Change

OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - March 03, 2016) - Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski was part of the Métis National Council delegation that participated in a meeting between the Canadian First Ministers and Indigenous leaders yesterday in Vancouver. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues surrounding climate change and actions governments can take to mitigate its impact. "Ontario Métis have a vital role to play in tackling the issues surrounding climate change," said President Lipinski. "Our people often are the first to feel the effects of climate change. We are a people of the land and have always been closely connected to the land."

During the meeting, President Lipinski with other Indigenous leaders advocated partnerships between Canadian governments and Indigenous governments to protect land, air and water resources for future generations, while also promoting clean and sustainable economic growth. They also discussed effective ways for Canada to adapt to new challenges, reduce emissions and capitalize on the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy to create jobs.

"By working together with Ontario and Canada, as well as other Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians," explained President Lipinski, "we can make a real difference while supporting both the economy and the environment. Ontario's green energy and feed-in-tariff programs are good examples of government programs that work and have a positive impact on climate change. The Métis Nation of Ontario has become a significant player in the generation of green energy in the province of Ontario."

In the coming months and years, the MNO expects to work with Ontario and Canada to develop and implement constructive policies and programs to address climate change. "Métis are perhaps best known for our involvement in the fur trade, which was the economic engine that drove Canada's first economy and inspired Canada to become the nation we know and love today," recalled President Lipinski. "The challenges presented by climate change present all Canadians with the opportunity and necessity to again transform our economy. It is time for Métis to again play a vital role in Canada's economy by aiding in that transformation, which will ensure a strong future for all of our children and youth," he added.