OTTAWA -The committee process for a testy piece of legislation that would recognize Metis governments in three provinces has been extended until at least February. House of Commons committee hearings about Bill C-53 have seen 65 witnesses testify and 274 briefs submitted that argue vigorously either for or against the legislation. Members of Parliament are now arguing over the finer points of the bill during meetings devoted to clause-by-clause deliberation, seven of them so far, featuring hours of debate. Some First Nations groups are opposed to the bill, which would recognize Metis governments in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan, urging MPs to vote against it because they say it could erode their own rights. But Metis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh says Metis people have been fighting for their rights…
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