Winnipeg Free Press Dan Vandal The Manitoba Metis Federation has received an infusion of $15 million from Western Economic Diversification to inject into its economic development projects. The Manitoba Metis Federation has received an infusion of $15 million from Western Economic Diversification to inject into its economic development projects. Flying under the radar, the MMF has quietly been amassing a growing portfolio of new businesses and land holdings and these funds will provide additional capital for further growth. David Chartrand. Dan Vandal, minister of northern affairs, said the funding, which is a symbol of the path to reconciliation that the government and country is on, comes with few strings attached.