Carney First PM to Attend Louis Riel Commemoration Ceremony

Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the Louis Riel Commemoration Event at the Saint Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg on Nov. 16, 2025. The Canadian Press/David Lipnowski

Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a ceremony for Métis leader Louis Riel in Winnipeg on Nov. 16 while in the city for the Grey Cup game, becoming the first Canadian prime minister to pay tribute to the leader of the Red River Rebellion at his gravesite.

“It is an honour for me to join on behalf of the Government of Canada to join you to commemorate Louis Riel, a foundational figure in the history of Manitoba and of Canada,” Carney said at the Nov. 16 event.

Carney joined other dignitaries, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand, at Riel’s gravesite on the 140th anniversary of his execution.

Carney said Riel fought for people’s rights while the Métis faced injustice. He also said Riel’s execution divided a young nation but that his legacy helps to unite a “maturing” Canada determined to learn from history.

“Throughout his life, Louis Riel struggled for social justice, he fought to defend Métis rights and identity,” Carney said.

The Manitoba Métis Federation said Carney is believed to be the first sitting prime minister to attend the annual ceremony at Riel’s grave in Winnipeg.

Riel led an independence movement, declaring a Métis provisional government during the Red River Rebellion of 1869–70. In 1870, his provisional government executed Thomas Scott, a pro-Canada figure, which outraged the federal government. In 1885, after leading the North-West Rebellion and clashing with federal forces, Riel was tried for treason and executed.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.