Ontario

Since 1995, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has been facilitating the Métis harvest in Ontario under a Harvesting Policy that was developed in consultation with Métis harvesters. Under the MNO's Harvesting Policy, Métis citizens are issued Harvesters Certificates for harvesting within their traditional territory.

On July 7th, 2004, the President of the MNO and the Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in Ontario reached a Four Point Agreement (Agreement) whereby the MNR agreed to recognize the MNO's Harvesters Certificates in all Métis traditional territories in Ontario identified by the MNO.

Unfortunately, on October 6th, 2004, the Minister for MNR unilaterally announced that the MNR would only recognize MNO Harvesters Certificates north of Sudbury. At the time of printing this Guide, the MNO continues to implement the Agreement reached on July 7th - with no distinction for Harvester Certificates holders south of Sudbury. MNO also continues to urge the MNR to uphold the Agreement in its entirety.

What does this mean for Métis harvesters in Ontario this year?

For valid MNO Harvester Certificate holders north of Sudbury, the MNR will recognize your Harvesters Certificate as long as you are harvesting for food in your traditional territory. You will be treated the same as First Nation harvesters and not face charges unless you are harvesting in a manner not consistent with safety and conservation values set out in the MNR's Interim Enforcement Policy.

For valid MNO Harvester Certificate holders south of Sudbury, the MNR may charge you for harvesting for food within your traditional territory. However, the MNO will support all harvesters with valid Harvesters Certificates who are harvesting within the terms of the MNO's Harvesting Policy against charges laid by the MNR.

For information on Métis harvesting in Ontario contact:

Métis Nation of Ontario
1-800-263-4889 (Ontario Only)
613-798-1488
www.metisnation.org