Métis federation mourns Minister John Fleury
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Manitoba Métis Federation Minister John Fleury, who represented the Southwest Region for 25 years, died at the Minnedosa Health Centre on Wednesday. He was 66.
During his 25 years with MMF, Fleury held ministerial positions in justice as well as his latest position as minister of Métis Employment and Training. He served for seven terms, having been acclaimed three times.
The world has lost a great man who led by example, said longtime friend Minister Will Goodon, who said they’d known each other for at least 25 years.
MMF Minister John Fleury died at the Minnedosa Health Centre on April 2. (Supplied)
“He had a calm way about him,” Goodon said. “But you also knew when the fire was lit inside him, because he didn’t back down from any issue. He fought for justice for the underdog.
“For John, it was about doing the right thing. And it wasn’t about the acclamation, glory or pat on the back. It was because that person needed help at that moment in time,” said Goodon, who is MMF Minister of Housing and Property Management.
The City of Brandon lowered the Métis flag outside of city hall, in solidarity with those who are mourning Fleury’s passing, the city said in a Friday news release. It will remain lowered for four days and four nights.
Goodon said that Assiniboine College and Brandon University have also lowered their “infinity flag” in his Fleury’s honour, as have the Métis government offices around the province. Fleury served in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry First Battalion with the Canadian Armed Forces, and in later years visited Juno Beach in Normandy, France.
During his time as a member of cabinet, Fleury was present for the Métis land claim victory in the Supreme Court of Canada in 2013 and the apology from Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in operating residential schools.
Fleury had a talent for putting people at ease, Goodon said.
“He was definitely a friend, but he was also a mentor,” he said.
“He was like that big brother who can straighten you out and, at the same time, pat you on the back. Maybe you didn’t want to be straightened out at that moment, but you know you needed it.
“John always had your back and that is something that I’ll never forget about him.”
Fleury was married to his wife Barb for 48 years. They had five children and many grandchildren. His funeral will be held on April 8 at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church in Minnedosa at 11 a.m.
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