PHO and Métis Nation of Ontario Formalize Partnership to Advance Métis Health Priorities

Public Health Ontario (PHO) and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) have formalized a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), strengthening their shared commitment to advancing Métis health priorities across Ontario.

This partnership reflects the MNO’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Métis voices, experiences and priorities are represented in public health planning and decision-making.

The MNO is the democratically elected government representing more than 36,000 Métis citizens across the province. Established in 1993, the MNO advances Métis self-government and rights while delivering programs and services in areas such as health, education, housing, consultation and cultural heritage. It represents the collective rights and interests of Métis people in Ontario and maintains formal working relationships with both provincial and federal governments.

Through this agreement, PHO and the MNO will work together in key areas including:

• Culturally informed public health programs
• Research and knowledge exchange
• Training and capacity-building opportunities
• Emergency preparedness
• Community engagement initiatives

By bringing together the Métis communities’ knowledge, priorities and lived experiences with PHO’s scientific and public health expertise, this partnership aims to support healthier, stronger Métis communities across Ontario.

The MOU was formally recognized at a signing event on June 24, 2026, at the MNO head office in Ottawa, where Michael Shearar, President and CEO of PHO, and Nicole Visschedyk, Director, Capacity Building & Indigenous Engagement, Communicable Disease Control, were in attendance.