Regional Councillor Case Participates in Inaugural Métis Policy Forum on Housing

Regional Councillor Mitch Case participated in the inaugural Métis Policy Forum, a historic gathering that brought together Métis governments from across the Homeland, along with Métis youth, Elders and veterans, to advance shared priorities related to housing and homelessness.

Regional Councillor Cased serves as co-Provincial Secretary for Intergovernmental Relations for the Métis Nation of Ontario and as a Member of the Métis National Council Board of Governors. His participation reflected the importance of ensuring that the voices and priorities of Métis citizens and communities are part of national discussions on housing.

The Métis Nation of Ontario was represented in the discussions by President Margaret Froh and Secretary of Housing Sharon Cadeau, who helped bring forward Ontario Métis perspectives on housing priorities, community needs, and opportunities for coordinated action.

The Forum was created as a non-political, collaborative space for Métis governments and organizations to work together on shared policy priorities while respecting the distinct rights, jurisdictions, and governance authorities of each participant. The Métis National Council supported the gathering by providing logistical and administrative support, while policy discussions and outcomes were led by participating Métis governments and organizations.

Housing remains one of the most urgent priorities facing Métis citizens, families, and communities. Through leadership dialogue, technical working sessions, and knowledge-sharing, participants discussed common barriers, emerging federal initiatives, and opportunities to better align efforts so Métis housing priorities are reflected in national policy and funding decisions.

Participants emphasized the need for long-term, predictable, distinctions-based funding, including flexible program design, pre-development support for smaller Métis governments, and investments that reflect the realities of northern and rural communities.

The Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community has directly benefited from the Canada–Métis Nation Housing and Homelessness Sub-Accord through important local investments and programs. These include the development of 20 housing units in Sault Ste. Marie, the First-Time Homebuyer Program, the Emergency Home Repair Program, the Solar Panel Program, and the Emergency Homelessness Prevention Program.

The Forum also highlighted the importance of investing across the entire housing continuum, from new housing development to maintaining and preserving existing housing stock to ensure long-term affordability for Métis families.

A key outcome of the gathering was the shared recognition that renewal of the Canada–Métis Nation Housing and Homelessness Sub-Accord is a pressing Métis Nation priority. Participants also committed to ongoing technical collaboration, including renewed intergovernmental working groups to advance coordinated, practical solutions.

The success of the inaugural Métis Policy Forum reaffirmed a shared commitment to collaboration where priorities align, grounded in respect for the autonomy and governance processes of each Métis government. Future Forums are expected to continue supporting Métis-led policy development and coordinated action to improve housing outcomes for Métis citizens and communities across the Homeland.