"Over the past several days, the Metis Nation has raised some serious concerns regarding the potential impact that the LIA Land Claim Agreement may have on any future land claims of the their group," said Ms. Jones. "As the only Metis Nation member of the House of Assembly and a member that represents a large number of Metis people, I must stand up for my constituents and vote against this land claim agreement.

"While I fully support the LIA in reaching an historic agreement for their people, I cannot vote for an agreement that could have significant ramifications for another group of aboriginal people. I have raised my concerns in the House of Assembly, but the responses of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs have not been conclusive enough to convince myself, or the Metis Nation, that they will not be negatively impacted by this agreement.

"I call upon MHA John Hickey, another Labrador MHA who represents a large number of Metis people, to also consider voting against this agreement. Without government co-operation to make the necessary amendments to Section 21 of the LIA Agreement, there is no real protection for the Metis Nation in any future land claims agreements.

"I call upon government to make the necessary amendments to this land claims agreement before the ratification vote on Monday. This will ensure that the LIA get an agreement that is beneficial for their people, while ensuring the claims of the Metis Nation are not jeopardized in the future. If these changes are made, I will support this agreement. If government does not address these concerns over the weekend, I have no other choice than vote against this agreement."