MMF Unveils Multimillion Dollar Post-Secondary Education Initiative

November 15, 2019

Winnipeg, Manitoba - Today, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is proud to announce a program that will help Metis Students gain greater access to post-secondary education. The Post-Secondary Education Support Program (PSESP) is a multi-million-dollar initiative that will be used to support students in all years of post-secondary education.

"We've seen the data and it hasn't been positive when it comes to the education outcomes for our Citizens," said MMF President Chartrand. "We knew we had to act and act quickly and this new program is a great starting point."

PSESP was developed after it was learned that Metis Students have historically been denied comprehensive education supports at the post-secondary level. It was also created to help students with financial aid and to gain better access to information about entering University.

"This is yet another wonderful example of the MMF's historic Agreement with the Government of Canada," said MMF Provincial Education Minister, Joan Ledoux. "Thanks to that partnership, we are now in a position to offer real supports to our Metis Students who are seeking a post-secondary education."

Today's announcement is part of a 10-year Post-secondary Education Accord with the MMF. This agreement ensures that Metis students in Manitoba, will have access to much needed financial and other student supports over the coming decade. Under Budget 2019, the MMF will receive close to 90 million dollars over the next 10 years and $9.9 million for each year thereafter.

"This is a huge breakthrough for the Metis Nation who were denied this much needed financial support by previous federal governments," said Minister Ledoux. "I want to thank Prime Minister Trudeau and his Ministers for reversing years of discriminatory treatment of Metis post-secondary students."

"The key to the continued strength and success of our Metis Nation lies in the hands our Youth and Students," added President Chartrand. "I look forward to the day when we have enough post-secondary students to host an Annual Metis University Graduation ceremony. Our province needs more Métis Graduates and this example of federal cooperation, should motivate our province to also work with us. That will translate into positive outcomes for our economy and province."

For more details about the Post-Secondary Education Support Program visit www.mmfeducation.ca.

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political representative for the Métis Nation's Manitoba Métis Community. The Manitoba Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For media information, please contact:

Al Foster
Director - Communications
Manitoba Metis Federation
Office: (204) 586-8474 x324
Cell: (204) 806-4752
Email: al.foster@mmf.mb.ca
www.mmf.mb.ca

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