The claimants, who were members of a Métis settlement in Alberta, registered as status Indians to obtain medical benefits.
Consequently, their membership in the Métis settlement was revoked pursuant to the Metis Settlements Act, which precludes status Indians from settlement membership.
The claimants challenged their exclusion under ss. 15, 2(d), and 7 of the Charter.
The Supreme Court of Canada held that the Metis Settlements Act is a genuinely ameliorative program protected by s. 15(2) of the Charter, as its object is to enhance and preserve Métis identity, culture, and self-governance through a dedicated land base.
The exclusion of status Indians serves this object.
The Court also dismissed the s. 2(d) and s. 7 claims, concluding the legislation is constitutional.
