Annex B: Status of Action Plan measures
Métis Priorities

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Métis Priority 1

Métis self-determination and self-government

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

In 2025-26, Canada and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government renegotiated elements of the 2023 Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement and a Crown consultation and engagement process with Métis groups asserting section 35 rights in Alberta and First Nations in Alberta on the renegotiated Agreement was initiated.

Bill C-21, the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty Act was introduced into Parliament on February 12, 2026 and, if passed, will give legal force and effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

CIRNAC continued negotiations at the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Tables between various Métis partners and Canada in 2025-26. There has been focused on the co-development of respective and distinct paths to federal recognition in law with each of the Métis Governments attached to Bill C-53 (An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan) in light of challenges to the bill's passage.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

One Métis partner noted that advancing federal recognition legislation was identified as a key priority in the co-development of the Action Plan and related Métis-specific commitments. Canada did introduce Bill C-53 in June 2023 but was not passed by Parliament. It was also noted that until the legislation is reintroduced and adopted, or another mutually agreed path forward is identified, the related Action Plan commitment remains incomplete. Continued negotiations toward a future treaty with Canada were also highlighted as an important next step.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 2

Redress for Métis claims and historical wrongs

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

CIRNAC has collaborated with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan to co-develop a Métis Claims Process and has held initial discussions with Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis Nation of Ontario. Canada and partners are currently advancing work related to self‑government initiatives. CIRNAC also noted that, as current Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination funding has been fully allocated to support self-government treaty discussions with the Métis partners at their respective tables, it is unlikely to be sufficient to fully cover any discussions on this Action Plan measure.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: No

CIRNAC noted that initial discussions took place with the Métis Nation of Ontario at their Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Tables. Future discussions will require consultation and cooperation with Métis government partners to advance their interests, however there is a lack of dedicated resources and funding to advance this Action Plan measure.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

One Métis partner has highlighted that there is currently no federal process or policy to address Métis land dispossession, redress historical wrongs, or advance reconciliation of outstanding Métis land claims. Existing mechanisms, such as Canada’s Comprehensive Land Claims Policy or the Specific Claims Policy, are not accessible to Métis communities, leaving courts as the primary avenue for pursuing claims. Limited discussions in 2023 on the development of a “Métis Claims Pathway” have seen little progress, and submissions to federal officials and parliamentary committees in 2025 and early 2026 emphasized the need for a dedicated mechanism to resolve historic grievances. Without such a pathway, related UN Declaration provisions on lands, resources, and reparations remain largely unimplemented for Métis communities. Continued collaboration is seen as necessary to co-develop options to advance settlement of outstanding claims.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 3

Co-developed approach to Métis rights recognition and consultation and accommodation

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

CIRNAC has not yet started a formalized process to advance work on Métis rights and recognition, however the department continues to collaborate with other government departments to support a consistent approach to Métis rights and recognition. CIRNAC noted that resources were not directed toward advancing the initiative because Métis partners prioritized progressing self-government treaty discussions. As a result, this Action Plan measure did not receive focused attention or resources in 2025.26.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: No
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: No

Métis partners have prioritized advancing self-government treaty discussions, and as a result, resources have not been focused on advancing this initiative. At this time resources are being used to advance different priorities identified by partners.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

One Métis partner mentioned that their Consultation Agreement provides important clarity on the Crown’s consultation and accommodation obligations, offering a streamlined, one-window approach. Recognized as a positive example by Canada’s Ministerial Special Representative on Consultation, the agreement has supported a significantly evolved relationship between Canada and Métis communities. In 2024, discussions began to update the agreement to reflect legal developments and the renewed relationship, with ongoing work in 2025 aimed at co-developing and finalizing these updates. An updated draft is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 4

Reconciliation with Métis Nation British Columbia

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

CIRNAC noted that, at this time Métis Nation British Columbia is undertaking research to support their request for section 35 recognition. While Canada awaits this report for assessment, Métis Nation British Columbia has developed a detailed work plan including priority items. CIRNAC has started to connect Métis Nation British Columbia with program leads to advance this work plan.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

As noted above, CIRNAC has met with Métis Nation British Columbia to advance this Action Plan measure. The focus has been to support Métis Nation British Columbia’s request for section 35 recognition.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 5

Upholding Métis self-determination through implementation of child welfare legislation

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: Yes

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

ISC noted that progress continued in implementing An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Capacity‑building and coordination‑agreement discussion‑table funding has been made available and distributed to Métis governing bodies. Three Métis governing bodies have signalled their interest in pursuing jurisdiction under Section 20 of the Act. ISC remains committed to identify approaches that best support the implementation of this action measure, including by working with provincial partners, collaborating with Métis governing bodies and through ongoing bilateral discussions with the Métis National Council. The department noted that funding to support consultation and cooperation is allocated through a targeted and demand driven resourcing approach that ensures communities and partners are engaged and able to participate meaningfully.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Engagement between ISC and Métis partners is guided by a distinctions‑based approach that recognizes their inherent rights, governance structures, and cultural priorities. Métis governing bodies lead the development and implementation of child and family services, supported by early and sustained collaboration at each stage of progress. This work is advanced through mechanisms that promote transparency, and informed decision‑making, including formal dialogue tables, bilateral or trilateral processes with relevant partners, and technical working groups. Together, these efforts strengthen Métis self‑determination in alignment with broader Métis frameworks. Ongoing implementation requires sustained consultation and cooperation with Indigenous partners to ensure decisions remain informed, distinctions-based, and aligned with community-driven priorities. This work is further supported by the Act's five-year legislative review, which provides a structured opportunity for partners to assess progress, identify gaps, and guide future implementation. Work in relation to the five-year review has begun with national and regional Métis organizations, with a preliminary focus on definitions and provisions of the Act.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 6

Métis implementation of Self-Government Fiscal Policy

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

Canada and the four federally recognized Métis governments have established the Métis Fiscal Policy Co-development Process. Participants are still collaborating to co-develop a policy annex and a governance funding methodology that will adapt Canada’s Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy specifically for the Métis context. Métis partners finance their participation in the co-development process by reallocating internal resources. This reallocation can come from funds originally designated for Negotiations Support related to self-government agreements or treaties, or from funds under Interim Fiscal Financing Agreements with Canada intended for self-government transition.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Canada's officials met frequently with each federally recognized Métis government during 2025–26 to advance the Métis Fiscal Policy Co-development Process. Meetings were held regularly with each of the four Métis governments to co-develop the Métis adaptation of Canada’s Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy. Federal officials will continue co-development work with the four federally recognized Métis governments focused on co‑adapting Canada’s Collaborative Self‑Government Fiscal Policy. The process is expected to be completed in 2026–27.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

One Métis partner noted that significant progress has been made on this measure over the past two fiscal years, although the 2025 federal election caused delays to policy negotiations. Despite limited funding and capacity, work has continued, reflecting the priority of these negotiations within broader self-government discussions. Interim funding under the existing fiscal agreement was set to expire in March 2026, and ongoing discussions aimed to extend it to support continued progress.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 7

Canada-Métis Nation Accord and renewed fiscal relationship

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

In 2025-26, CIRNAC continued to work with Métis partners on a bilateral basis to identify a path forward for continuing engagement with the Métis, including with respect to the fiscal relationship between Canada and the Métis.The department continued to provided direct funding supports to Métis partners, and retains the responsibility for management of the funding agreement and reporting obligations. CIRNAC also noted that while funding supports for working groups can be secured from existing Permanent Bilateral Mechanism funding, ongoing program funding and the necessary authorities have yet to be secured for many priority areas.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Going forward, CIRNAC will continue to hold regular bilateral meetings with Métis partners to support the advancement of Métis policy priorities. In addition, some working groups on specific priority areas continued to meet with the Métis National Council and its Governing Members.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Métis partners have emphasized the need to resume discussions to co-develop measures that advance the renewed fiscal relationship under the permanent bilateral mechanism, related Canada–Métis Nation Accord, and Sub-Accords. At the 2025 Métis National Council’s Annual General Assembly, which was attended by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the Métis Nation Ontario only, a resolution was adopted calling for the renewal of these Sub-Accords and supporting the establishment of a Métis Policy Forum. Funding under certain Canada-Métis National Council Sub-Accords, including economic development, has expired, while others (homelessness, skills and employment training, and housing) are set to sunset in 2028. Sustained engagement will be important to maintain capacity and support for Governing Members in these priority areas. Métis partner called on Canada to allocate $1 billion of previous funding to Métis governments to address distinct housing needs of Métis citizens. Métis partners emphasize that any allocation should be co-developed, transparent, and aligned with Métis governance and decision-making processes to ensure that housing investments effectively support Métis communities.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 8

National security threats to Métis

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

CSIS noted that work to advance this Action Plan measure focused on relationship building and information sharing with key Métis partners, primarily with the Métis Nation British Columbia and the Métis National Council.

Limited interest from Métis partners has resulted in implementing the Action Plan measure primarily with the Métis Nation British Columbia and the Métis National Council, however, the department expresses a desire to work with additional Métis partners in the future.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

CSIS and the Métis Nation British Columbia held quarterly meetings where questions and concerns could be addressed on issues related to national security. They also participated in the Five Eyes Indigenous Network Summit at CSIS National Headquarters in June 2025, delivering a presentation and attending all unclassified sessions. In addition, the Métis Nation British Columbia also shared perspectives with foreign and Indigenous partners on key national security topics. CSIS also provided threat briefings to the Métis National Council at CSIS National Headquarters in July 2025 and travel security briefings in November 2025 ahead of international travel. The National Métis Veterans Council toured the National Headquarters in October 2025 for threat briefings and information exchange, during which the Métis National Council presented on veterans work. Lastly, Métis National Council and CSIS were coordinating with the Privy Council Office to facilitate security clearances to support further information sharing.

Moving forward, the department aims to continue collaboration with Métis partners to share priorities, exchange information, provide threat awareness, advance security clearances, and prioritize relationship-building.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 9

Justice and Policing Sub-Accord with Métis

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: Yes

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

In fiscal year 2025-26, the Justice and Policing Working Group with the Métis National Council did not formally meet, as work on the Justice and Policing Sub-Accord is currently on hold. Public Safety Canada and Justice Canada, as the federal co-chairs of the Working Group, are currently determining next steps. Historically, JUS has provided funding to the Métis National Council and its Governing Members (at that time) to support consultation and cooperation in advancing this Action Plan measure, as well as Shared Priority 28 (finalization of the Indigenous Justice Strategy). These two measures have similar purposes and objectives; the reduction of over-representation, reduction of recidivism, the implementation of preventative and culturally responsive measures, and achievement of equity for Métis citizens through self-determination.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: No
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

In 2025-26, the Justice and Policing Sub-Accord work was paused, and as a result no consultation and cooperation took place. Options are being considered as to next steps.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Métis partners have highlighted challenges in securing consistent engagement and commitment from Canada to advance this Action Plan measure. Ensuring active participation and collaboration will be important to support progress under this Sub-Accord.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 10

Métis Co-development Principles

• Link to TRC-CTAs: No
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

In 2025-26, CIRNAC worked with Métis partners to identify a path forward for continuing engagement with the broader Métis partners, including with respect to the status of the Co-development Principles. It is expected that progress towards this Action Plan measure could continue once a renewed mechanism for engaging with the Métis is established.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

CIRNAC noted that, though Canada-Métis Nation Permanent Bilateral Mechanism meetings have been paused and the Co-development Principles have not yet been endorsed by the Prime Minister, the department has been applying the Co-development Principles to their regular bilateral meetings and interactions with Metis partners, including the Métis National Council, Métis Nation British Columbia, Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Métis Nation of Ontario. Further, some of the working groups on specific priority areas continued to meet with the Métis National Council. Following the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan's and Métis Nation British Columbia's withdrawal from the Métis National Council, CIRNAC determined that the Principles needed to be revisited to ensure that they had broad support. CIRNAC plans to continue to hold direct bilateral meetings at the senior and technical levels with the Métis National Council and its Governing Members, as well as separate meetings with Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, and the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

Canada, the Métis National Council and the Governng Members finalized draft Co-development Principles, which were endorsed in principle in January 2024 and serve as a foundation for collaborative development with Métis governments. While partners see this as a significant step forward, additional work was planned with Governing Members to refine the principles and provide guidance for their practical implementation. Progress on these follow-up discussions was limited, and further engagement between Canada and Métis partners was still pending.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: TC

Métis Priority 11

Improving equitable health outcomes and services for Métis

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: Yes

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

In 2025-26, the Mental Wellness Program within ISC supported Métis-specific approaches to mental wellness through partnerships with Métis governments and organizations through funding initiatives such as land-based camps, mobile outreach, and counselling services.

In addition, Métis partners are designing and delivering Métis-specific health services through the Indigenous Health Equity Fund. For example, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is planning to enhance community capacity, expand access to mental health supports via the Community Wellness Advocate Program, and provide ongoing supports after substance use treatment through the Substance Use Recovery Wrap-Around Program and the Connections in Recovery Peer Support Group. Implementation work across regions includes strengthening program administration with Indigenous communities, updating plans, refining reporting on outcomes, and improving progress tracking.

Under the Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada’s Health Systems initiative, funding is supporting Health System Navigator and Patient Advocate positions in several Métis governments to improve access to culturally safe care. Métis-specific midwifery and doula projects are advancing, including development of a Métis midwifery education program and wrap-around supports for expectant families. Support has also been provided to the Métis Health Experience Program in British Columbia for citizens experiencing healthcare harms.

Based on feedback from Indigenous partners, the department received new authorities to work on separate approaches with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to co-develop policy and/or legislative options. However, there is no additional funding to support this work, which will pose a barrier to participation with partners.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

In 2025-26, ISC and the Mental Wellness Program have maintained frequent, structured engagement with Métis partners, primarily for information sharing and coordination. The Mental Wellness Program held voluntary quarterly bilateral meetings with Métis partners to exchange updates on investments and activities, and used the Métis National Council’s Métis Vision for Health to guide policy decisions.

ISC officials worked with Métis partners on implementing the Indigenous Health Equity Fund, including regular outreach to support the development of implementation plans, obtain progress updates, and discuss reporting strategies.

The department also engages Indigenous partners through the Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism Advisory Circle, held meetings with national Indigenous women’s organizations, and ad hoc sessions with partners as required, focusing on sharing updates on program decisions and learning about partner projects. The department also engaged with Indigenous partners through the Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing Advisory Committee, that provides policy and program advice on issues impacting the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and 2SLGBTQI+ people across the lifespan.

ISC is a participant of the Government of Canada and Métis Nation permanent bilateral mechanism at all levels; however, the mechanism is currently on pause due to internal Métis governance changes. ISC continues to meet bilaterally with Métis Nation partners, including the Métis National Council and its current Governing Members, Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis Nation of Ontario, as well as Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and Manitoba Métis Federation, to share information and advance joint work and priorities.

The department noted that, in relation to new legislative initiatives, federal government departments are in the process of assessing next steps. While there is no additional funding available, in some cases, Indigenous partners have carried forward funding from previous years to support their continued participation.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 12

Métis indicators of poverty and well-being

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

In 2025-26, ESDC continued to collaborate through the Métis Nation Council to develop Métis specific indicators of poverty. These indicators will help inform how the Government of Canada measures progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal in alignment with Métis knowledge systems, priorities and values.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: Yes
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

Collaborative work continued through working groups supported by the Métis Nation Council and policy, such as the Métis Health Forum, which included a panel discussion focused on defining poverty and well-being through a Métis lens. The Métis Nation Council shared a report on this engagement to inform ongoing dialogue with ESDC. ESDC will complement collaboration with the Métis Nation Council with bilateral engagement with Métis Nation governments who no longer work through the Métis Nation Council governance and collaboration structures.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

Métis Priority 13

K-12 Métis Education Co-Development

• Link to TRC-CTAs: Yes
• Link to MMIWG-CFJs: No

Work completed to advance Action Plan measure in 2025-2026

Due to the pause of the Métis-Nation-Canada Permanent Bilateral Mechanism, internal discussions took place and are ongoing to determine next steps on advancing this Action Plan measure.

Consultation and cooperation

• Occurred: No
• Opportunity for future consultation and cooperation: Yes

ISC, during the pause in the work of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism, collaborated horizontally with other federal departments throughout the year to develop options for engagement strategies that would assist officials in their consultation and cooperation with Métis partners moving forward. Internal discussions continue on a departmental engagement approach to advance work for this Action Plan measure.

Indigenous partner perspectives on implementation

No input was provided for this Action Plan measure.

Milestones

No milestones were provided for this Action Plan measure.

Other departments and agencies that contributed to this APM: None

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