Liberal Candidate in B.C. Byelection Faces Scrutiny Over Métis Heritage Claims

Madison Fleischer has removed references to Métis identity from her profiles after local Métis leaders questioned the validity of her claims.

Madison Fleischer, the Liberal candidate for the Cloverdale-Langley City byelection, claims to self-identify as Métis but has faced criticism for lacking evidence to support her heritage.
The Waceya Métis Society stated that Fleischer could not provide documentation or connections to Métis communities during a recent meeting and has called on her to verify her claims before making further public assertions.
Fleischer has removed references to being Métis from her social media profiles, explaining that she is researching her ancestry and plans to apply for Métis Nation British Columbia citizenship.
This controversy follows the resignation of Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault from cabinet after questions arose about his own claims of Indigenous ancestry, raising concerns about candidate vetting processes within the Liberal Party.
Fleischer's critics, including the Waceya Métis Society, emphasize the importance of authentic representation and accountability when claiming Indigenous identity, particularly for public office holders.