Mr. Speaker, on November 16, 107 years ago a man named Louis Riel was hung after the Canadian Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister John A. MacDonald, determined that he was guilty of high treason. Treason means betrayal, breach of allegiance, treachery and disloyalty. It was not Riel who was disloyal or betrayed his country. While Riel had in good faith negotiated Manitoba's entry into Confederation, the government turned around and betrayed Riel by sending troops out to get rid of him and his provisional government. Louis Riel paid with his life for his leadership in a movement which fought for the maintenance and rights and freedoms of the Metis people. If Riel was guilty of anything it was only of trying to help his people defend their land, the principles of self-government and to fight against the status quo. Since his death, Metis have continued that struggle which Riel began. They continue to fight for the Metis culture and to fight against the status quo which would see that culture and heritage obliterated. Only recently has the struggle seen dividends. Mr. Speaker, in March of this year Louis Riel was officially recognized by the Parliament of Canada. The Metis people have also finally caught the attention of the Canadian Parliament. Metis have been involved in the constitutional process and their concerns have been acted upon. Had the national referendum results been positive, Metis would have been able to look forward of implementation of objectives such as self-government, equity of access and a place in Canadian society as first class aboriginal Canadians. As it is they will have to wait longer for these objectives to materialize. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.