Métis Nation of Alberta votes 97 per cent in favour of new Constitution
The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is continuing on its journey toward self-government after an overwhelming vote in favour of its new Constitution.
The process, which was held throughout November, included extensive public awareness campaigns. Members were allowed to vote in-person, online and were also allowed to mail in their ballots.
"A total of 15,729 MNA citizens cast their ballots with 15,241 voting 'Yes' to adopting the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution (96.89 per cent voting in support)," the MNA wrote in a statement Friday.
"This ratification vote is an essential step towards becoming the first to be implemented in the province."
The vote is also very significant for Canada as a whole, officials say.
"The results from the MNA vote represent the largest ratification vote ever undertaken by an Indigenous nation in Canadian history. That is an incredible achievement," said Chief Electoral Officer Del Graff.
In January, the MNA will begin work to prepare for self-government with local regions and councils. It has also established two groups to that end – the self-government department and self-government transition committee.
Both are comprised of citizens appointed by MNA regions.
The MNA's Constitution officially comes into force in September 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.