The Danny Williams Metis Commitments

October 8, 2003

Mr. Todd Russell, President
Labrador Metis Nation
P.O. Box 460, Station C
Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL, A0P 1C0
VIA FAX: 896-0594

Dear Mr. Russell,

At our meeting on Friday, September 12, 2003, I outlined a number of commitments a Progressive Conservative government would undertake with respect to the constitutional rights of teh Metis people in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the involvement of the Labrador Metis in the benefits that would accrue from development of the Lower Churchill and other resources in the region. The commitments include the following:

• A Progressive Conservative government will acknowlege that the decision in the Powley case applies to Metis in Newfoundland and Labrador, and will participate with the Federal Government and the Metis Nation in negotiations to define and enforce the specific rights affirmed in the Powley decision and other rights protected under s. 35 of the Constitution.


• We will work in partnership with the Metis people of Labrador to promote and strengthen Metis communities and culture, and to ensure the Metis and all residents of Labrador share in the benefits that accrue from the development of Labrador resources.


• We will involve the Labrador Metis Nation, as we will representatives of all residents of Labrador, in the process of negotiating a Lower Churchill Development Agreement.

Newfoundland and Labrador needs the participation of the Metis community if the province is going to realize its full potential for social and economic growth. I look forward to working with the Labrador Metis Nation to benefit the Metis community and all the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sincerely,

Danny Williams, Q.C., Leader


UPDATES.............The moment of truth!

• April 11, 2007, Tom Rideout shocks Metis world with land claims revelations.


• April 10, 2007, Labrador Metis Nation launches series of Double Standard advertisements.


• March 2007. Metis hunters are charged in provincial court.


• Fall 2006. Metis hunters are confronted during caribou hunt.


• July 19, 2006, Labrador Metis wins landmark Duty to Consult case in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador related to Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway. The Provincial Government appeals.