MMF encouraged by Manitoba's announcement of rent subsidies for Crown Land forage leaseholders

September 29, 2022

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, is encouraged by the Government of Manitoba's announcement yesterday, regarding rent subsidies for Agriculture Crown Lands forage leaseholders.

The Manitoba Government states the proposed rent reduction is in response to the extreme drought of 2021, the flooding this year, and from stakeholder feedback. The proposed rent reduction offers a 50% lease rent reduction in 2023, 33% lease rent reduction in 2024 and a 15% lease rent reduction in 2025.

"It's clear that Manitoba is recognizing the financial challenges endured by Red River Métis agricultural producers currently leasing forage lands in our province," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "This announcement offers our agricultural producers a welcome temporary financial reprieve, but they are still facing very real concerns."

Changes made to Agricultural Crown Lands legislation over the last several years, including the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Amendments and the Crown Land Disposition Act, have caused a severe financial burden on Red River Métis Citizens. Some have been forced to surrender their leases, livestock, and in some instances, their businesses.

"It's vital that the Government of Manitoba hears the concerns of Red River Métis agricultural producers, as well as the voice of the MMF, the government that represents their interests", said President Chartrand. "A government-to-government relationship requires meaningful consultation to ensure any policy, program, regulation, or service developed by Manitoba reflects the evolving needs of our Citizens as rightsholders. This is the province we brought into Canada's confederation - it is unthinkable that our ability to prosper on this land could continue to be at risk even today."

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, the origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Red River Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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