Métis Nation Welcomes Prime Minister's Announcement of Support for Students and New Grads Affected by COVID-19

OTTAWA, April 22, 2020 /CNW/ - Métis National Council Spokesperson David Chartrand welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement to increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education by an additional $75.2 million in 2020-21.

"Again, the Prime Minister has responded to the pressing needs of our people in a distinctions-based manner and we appreciate that," said Chartrand. "I am pleased to announce after discussions with Minister Miller that the Métis Nation will receive $7 million of this funding to be administered by the MNC Governing Members."

The Minister assured National Spokesperson Chartrand that Métis Nation students will be able at the same time to access the other important supports in the announcement such as the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which will provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This benefit will provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities.

"The MNC will be working with our employment and training programs and educational institutes such as Gabriel Dumont Institute, Louis Riel Institute and the education authorities in Métis Nation British Columbia to ensure our students can benefit fully," said Chartrand.  "The $7 million in COVID-related funding will allow us to help them during this critical period of their lives."

The new COVID-related support is over and above the $27 million in post-secondary education support Métis Nation students will be receiving this year from Budget 2019.

The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international levels. The Métis Nation's homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into the contiguous parts of British Columbia, Ontario, the Northwest Territories and the United States. There are approximately 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.

SOURCE Métis National Council