The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is encouraged by the province's announcement regarding rent subsidies for Agriculture Crown Lands forage leaseholders.
MMF President David Chartrand says that it's clear that Manitoba is recognizing the financial challenges endured by Red River Métis agricultural producers currently leasing forage lands in the province.
"This announcement offers our agricultural producers a welcome temporary financial reprieve, but they are still facing very real concerns," Chartrand adds.
According to a news release by the MMF, the proposed rent reduction is in response to the extreme drought of 2021, the flooding this year, and stakeholder feedback. The proposed rent reduction offers a 50% lease rent reduction in 2023, a 33% lease rent reduction in 2024 and a 15% lease rent reduction in 2025.
The MMF says that 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 and that 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," Chartrand adds.
He went on to say that a government-to-government relationship requires meaningful consultation to ensure any policy, program, regulation, or service developed by Manitoba reflects the evolving needs of its citizens as rightsholders.
