PROVISIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL BILL OF RIGHTS

This is the formal List of Rights drawn up by the Provisional Governing Council of the Metis Nation, as the formal conditions for the entry of Rupert's Land into Confederation on December 1, 1869.

1. That the people have the right to elect their own legislature.



2. That the legislature have the power to pass all laws local to the Territory over the veto of the Executive by a two-thirds vote.



3. That no act of the Dominion Parliament (local to the Territory) be binding on the people until sanctioned by the Legislature of the Territory.



4. That all Sheriffs, Magistrates, Constables, School Commissioners, etc., be elected by the people.



5. A free Homestead and Preemption Land law.



6. That a portion of the public lands be appropriated to the benefit of schools, the building of bridges, roads and public buildings.



7. That it be guaranteed to connect Winnipeg by rail with the nearest line of railroad, within a term of five years; the land grant to be subject to the Local Legislature.



8. That for the term of four years all military, civil and municipal expenses be paid out of the Dominion funds.



9. That the Military be composed of the inhabitants now existing in the Territory.



10. That the English and French languages be common in the legislature and courts and that all public documents and acts of the legislature be published in both languages.



11. That the Judge of the Supreme Court speak the English and French languages.



12. That treaties be concluded and ratified between the Dominion Government and the several tribes of Indians in the Territory to ensure peace on the frontier.



13. That we have a fair and full representation in the Canadian Parliament.



14. That all privileges, customs and usage existing at the time of the transfer be respected.

All the above articles have been severally discussed and adopted by the French and English representatives without a dissenting voice, as the conditions upon which the people of Rupert's Land enter into Confederation.

The French representatives then proposed that in order to secure the above rights, a delegation be appointed and sent to Pembina to see Mr. MacDougall and ask him if he could guarantee these rights by virtue of his commission; and if he could do so, that then the French people would join, to a man, to escort Mr. MacDougall into his government seat. However, if to the contrary, Mr. MacDougall could not guarantee such rights then the delegation must request him to remain where he is, or return but not until the rights be guaranteed by Act of the Canadian Parliament.

The English representatives refused to appoint delegates to go to Pembina to consult with Mr. MacDougall-stating that they had no authority to do so from their constituents.

The Council was dissolved.

This meeting took place in Fort Garry on Wednesday, December 1, 1869.