(Ottawa) The work of a parliamentary committee studying a delicate bill that would recognize Métis governments in three provinces has been extended until at least February.
The House of Commons committee hearings on Bill C-53 heard from 65 witnesses and 274 submissions who argued vigorously for or against the bill.
MPs are now debating details of the bill in meetings dedicated to clause-by-clause deliberations – seven of which have taken place so far, involving hours of debate.
Some First Nations groups oppose the bill, which would recognize the Métis governments of Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan. They urged MPs to vote against it because they believe it could erode their own rights.
But Métis Nation of Ontario President Margaret Froh says Métis people have been fighting for their rights for generations and passing the bill would help recognize that.
The hotly contested bill also has the support of the Métis National Council, which unanimously passed a resolution last month calling on politicians to pass the bill as soon as possible.