Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Metis and non-status Dene people of the NWT have long believed in their aboriginal rights, that they are aboriginal people with rights equal to those of the Dene and Inuit. In Canada it is recognized that the Metis people are aboriginal people with the same rights that Dene and Inuit people have. Although Metis are included in section 35 of Canada's constitution as one of three aboriginal peoples having existing aboriginal and treaty rights, the Metis people are not clearly recognized in law.
Metis and non-status Dene are living together under the same economic conditions in northern communities, with their Dene and in some cases Inuit and Inuvialuit relatives but are not treated as having equal aboriginal rights, especially in relation to health benefits. In October 1990 the Legislative Assembly of the NWT accepted Motion 70-90(2), "That the Minister of Health make renewed attempts at finding a solution and funds to provide medical services to the Metis people of the NWT on the same basis as that provided the status Dene and Inuit people under the Indian Health Policy.'
Mr. Speaker, I would like all Members to support this motion, as potential beneficiaries are deeply concerned with the timing of the present budgeting process in relationship to implementing Metis health benefits in the near future. I realize the financial restraints the government is experiencing, but in determining priorities, the health of all people must come first. On behalf of the Metis and non-status Dene of the NWT, I urge each of you to support this request for those same health benefits as our Dene and Inuit friends receive.