Metis leaders are asking their members to pay close attention to the issues in two upcoming elections in the region.

About 400 delegates from Metis communities across the province gathered in Midland on Saturday for the annual General Assembly of the Metis Nation of Ontario. The delegates are here to get an update on the issues facing Metis people from across the country.

Greg Garratt says he is one of many Metis families, who have deep roots in north Simcoe County.

"The Lalondes, the Secords, the Devalles, the Charleboises, the Brunelles; there are just so many of them."

President Gary Lipinski focused on the status of land treaty negotiations, Metis economic development, program funding and why the Metis community should stand up and be counted in upcoming elections.

"Pay very close attention to what the parties are saying, but even more important to what they are not saying."

The Metis vote could play a key role in the Simcoe North byelection and in the federal election because of the size of the Metis population. According to Statistics Canada, more than 4,000 Metis live in the riding. Across the country more than 450,000 Canadians self-identify as Metis. 

“We will put in our newspaper, which goes to every Metis citizen across the province, about the responses we get from the parties, which will be based on the feedback we get from those letters inviting us to meet leaders or senior party members about how it is that we will work together if they form the next government.”

Ontario's Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown attended the meeting, along with conservative MP Bruce Stanton. Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer was also on hand before heading out to campaign with Liberal candidate Fred Larsen. The minister says the province and the MNO have a history of working well together.

“So when we have that solid, foundational relationship in place other good things flow from that.”

Garratt says if the elections are a close race, the Metis vote could tip the polls one way or another.

The annual general assembly will continue on Sunday, where it will be focusing on more cultural events.