Statement by the Official Opposition on Louis Riel Day

NDP MPs Niki Ashton (Churchill) and Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre) made the following statement on Louis Riel Day:

“Today, the NDP joins all Manitobans in celebrating Louis Riel Day. We celebrate Riel’s legacy as a founder of the province of Manitoba, a father of confederation and a champion of the rights of the Métis people.

“New Democrats recognize and applaud the work of Louis Riel—one of the first great Métis politicians who fought to protect the French language and the rights of minorities in Canada.

“We ask that the government acknowledge Louis Riel’s founding role in Manitoba and Canada and rescind the century-old ruling to exonerate Louis Riel of all crimes.

“The NDP is determined to work with the Métis community to create a fairer, more inclusive country and to achieve Louis Riel’s vision of a Canada where there is justice and equality for all.”