ONTARIO NATIVE AFFAIRS SECRETARIAT Business Plan

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1 ONTARIO NATIVE AFFAIRS SECRETARIAT Business Plan

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER Our government continues to work together with Aboriginal peoples in Ontario to settle land claims and build self-reliant First Nation, Métis and urban Aboriginal

2 MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER Our government continues to work together with Aboriginal peoples in Ontario to settle land claims and build self-reliant First Nation, Métis and urban Aboriginal communities. As the new Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, I am pleased to present the Business Plan of the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat, which guides its activities for Hon. James M. Flaherty As outlined in the Blueprint, we are helping Aboriginal communities become economically strong and independent, and are making real progress on land claim issues. Since 1995, the Government of Ontario has made more progress on land claims than in the previous ten years. Settling land claims removes barriers to investment, helps build stable relations between communities and creates local economic opportunities that benefit all Ontarians. Ontario s economy is strong but economic strength and growth require a clear plan for the future. Our government wants to build a business climate where jobs and prosperity are available equally to all Ontarians. In 1998, the government launched Building Aboriginal Economies, a strategy to promote long-term jobs and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people in Ontario. The strategy is a coordinated framework of more than 30 programs and services across government. It identifies four key approaches: increasing Aboriginal partnerships with the corporate sector, removing barriers, improving access and creating opportunities. The key to the strategy is a five year program called Working Partnerships, designed to foster more Aboriginal partnerships with the private sector to address recognized barriers and constraints inhibiting Aboriginal economic development. The government has completed eight Agreements-in-Principle with First Nations. Agreements made between Ontario and First Nations include, among others: Assabaska and Big Grassy (both southeast of Lake of Woods), Wasauksing (Parry Sound area) and Thessalon (east of Sault Ste. Marie). During negotiations the Government of Ontario consults locally to address the many public and private interests potentially affected by a land claim. The government recently committed over $33 million annually for five years to fund the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy. The strategy will continue to respond to the health issues of Aboriginal residents in Ontario and to address family violence. We will continue to urge the federal government to meet its responsibilities to Aboriginal people, including those living off-reserve and the Métis. As we approach the new millennium, we must ensure that Ontario remains an exceptional place to live for all Ontarians. We will continue to work to build stable, balanced relations between Aboriginal people and their neighbours, to make Ontario the best place to live, work and raise a family. The Honourable James M. Flaherty Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 1

3 SECRETARIAT VISION The Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat looks to a future where: C Aboriginal communities have stronger economies and are more self-reliant. C Relations between Aboriginal people and their neighbours are prosperous and mutually beneficial. The secretariat s vision reflects the goals of the government s Aboriginal Policy Framework, announced in March The Framework sets out Ontario s approach to Aboriginal affairs. It guides the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat in delivering its core businesses, and provides direction for all ministries in addressing Aboriginal matters within their legislative and policy mandates. Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 2

4 CORE BUSINESSES The Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat: C Conducts land claim negotiations on behalf of the province and implements land claim settlements to remove barriers to investment and enhance economic opportunities for Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal communities. The secretariat represents, as required, the interests of the province in self-government negotiations between Canada and First Nations. C Works and partners with Aboriginal businesses and organizations, corporate Ontario and private sector businesses, provincial ministries and the federal government to promote Aboriginal selfreliance and economic development. C Develops provincial policy and works with other ministries to co-ordinate the government s overall approach to Aboriginal matters. In this role, the secretariat maintains relations with First Nations, Métis and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations, such as Friendship Centres, the federal government, stakeholders and the public. Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 3

5 ANNUAL REPORT ON KEY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR Resolving Land Claims In , the Ontario government signed Agreements-in-Principle with the following First Nations: Rocky Bay (the North Shore of Lake Superior); Wasauksing (Parry Island, near Parry Sound); and Thessalon (east of Sault Ste. Marie). Meaningful consultations with the affected parties contributed to the success of these negotiations. In addition, the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat has been proceeding with the implementation of settlements with the following First Nations: Mississauga #8 (east of Sault Ste. Marie), Wikwemikong (Point Grondine, near Killarney), Nipissing (west of North Bay) and six First Nations on Manitoulin Island. The implementation of Phases 1 and 2 of the Garden River Agreement (Sault Ste. Marie) has been completed. The implementation of these agreements has resulted in improved economic opportunities for Aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities. In 1999, preliminary discussions began with the Temagami First Nation and the Teme-Augama Anishnabai about their land claim. Twenty-one land claims are under active negotiation. The secretariat has also represented the province s interests as required in self-government negotiations between Canada and First Nations. Promoting Economic Development In the summer of 1998, as a result of consultations with both Aboriginal and non-aboriginal stakeholders, the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs announced the government s Building Aboriginal Economies strategy, a coordinated framework of more than 30 programs and services across government that supports Aboriginal economic development. Its goal is to increase capacity and opportunities in Aboriginal communities in order to promote self-reliance, enhance job opportunities and spur economic growth. The strategy can benefit all Aboriginal peoples, including First Nations, Métis and urban Aboriginal peoples. A key component of the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy is Working Partnerships, an initiative that fosters corporate/aboriginal partnerships in Ontario. Spring 1999 saw the launch of the Working Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 4

6 Partnerships Advisory Committee. This 12 member committee, made up of individuals from both the Aboriginal community and corporate sector is providing strategic advice to the Ontario Government about the development of new partnerships and the enhancement of existing partnerships between Aboriginal communities and the corporate sector. Among the elements of the Working Partnerships program are regional forums developed through the Economic Renewal Secretariat which create the conditions for the exchange of ideas, the development of opportunities and the connection to business networks. During the period, workshops have taken place on tourism, energy and economic renewal. Building Good Relations In the spring of 1999, the Premier participated at a meeting of Aboriginal Leaders, Premiers and Territorial Leaders in Regina. In addition, the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, Jim Flaherty, has begun work with other ministers responsible for Native Affairs and with National Aboriginal Leaders to develop a comprehensive approach to improve social, economic and environmental conditions for Aboriginal people and a national Aboriginal Youth Strategy. Throughout the year the Minister, Parliamentary Assistant and Secretary for Native Affairs met with First Nation leaders and representatives of major Aboriginal organizations such as the Chiefs of Ontario Office, the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association and the Ontario Native Women s Association. These meetings and the opportunities they create for building relations with the Aboriginal peoples will continue. Ontario officials worked cooperatively with their federal counterparts to deliver programs and services to Aboriginal people, both on- and off-reserve. Delivering Good Government In , the secretariat implemented guidelines for Aboriginal communities and organizations to ensure that transfer payments are managed with a focus on goals, results and accountability. Secretariat officials participated in self-government negotiations between Canada and First Nations, to represent the province's interests. They will continue this approach through Over the past year, the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat continued to work with other provincial Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 5

7 ministries to promote a consistent and integrated approach to Aboriginal matters. The secretariat provided advice to guide other ministries in their dealings with Aboriginal peoples, and managed relationships with First Nations, Métis and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations, the federal government, stakeholders and the public. Supporting Community Infrastructure Through the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Agreement, the Government of Ontario is working with the federal government to ensure that remote northern Aboriginal communities have adequate water, sewer and electrical services. The Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat will continue to provide funding for these projects in By the year 2001, the agreement will have provided indoor plumbing, sewage services and electricity to a total of 29 remote northern communities and created more than 3,000 local jobs. In 1998, the government committed to provide $33 million each year for the next five years for the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy. This program, a 1999 Blueprint commitment, is jointly implemented by the province and Aboriginal organizations. Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 6

8 KEY COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES FOR Negotiations In , the secretariat will pursue land claim settlements that include economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people, as well as bringing closure and certainty to land and legal issues. The secretariat will continue to focus on negotiating land claims with a high potential for successful and lasting settlements. It will reaffirm the government s strong commitment to public involvement in land claim negotiations and ensure the process continues to be inclusive and accountable and addresses the rights and interests of those affected by the claims. It will move forward on a number of claims currently at the research and review stage. The secretariat will continue to represent the province s interests as required in self-government negotiations between Canada and First Nations. Aboriginal Economic Development In , the secretariat is partnering with Aboriginal businesses and organizations, corporate Ontario, provincial ministries and the federal government to deliver the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy and implement the Working Partnerships program. This program which builds on the government s Aboriginal Policy Framework, enhances Aboriginal capacity to participate in Ontario s economy. Over the coming year, the secretariat will continue to sponsor regional and sectoral partnership forums and workshops with its partners. It will initiate an Aboriginal partnership recognition award. To support its Working Partnerships initiative, the secretariat will develop partnership resource kits for the corporate sector and Aboriginal businesses and communities, fund up to 15 Partnership Development Advisors in Aboriginal economic organizations and develop a Web site on Aboriginal business development. The Working Partnership Advisory Committee made up of representatives from the Aboriginal and corporate communities will support these economic development initiatives. Work is continuing on establishing in Ontario a mechanism for managing and distributing the net revenues Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 7

9 from Casino Rama to First Nations in Ontario. The First Nations Fund will be an important catalyst for self-sufficiency through economic and community development. The secretariat looks to a future where Aboriginal communities have stronger economies and are more selfreliant and where there is balance and stability in relations between Aboriginal and other communities. Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination To promote dialogue, the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat will continue regular meetings of Ontario ministers and Aboriginal leaders. It will also maintain effective working relations with First Nations, Métis and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations on an ongoing basis. The secretariat will continue to encourage the federal government to fulfill its responsibilities, including its fiscal responsibilities, for Aboriginal matters, where appropriate. It will continue to provide core funding to eligible provincial Aboriginal organizations, based on business goals, results and accountability. The secretariat will continue to manage existing commitments under the Aboriginal Community Capital Infrastructure Fund. The fund promotes Aboriginal community development through capital projects that address health and safety needs. Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 8

10 KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES Core Business: Negotiations Goals/Outcomes Measures Targets/Standards Commitments A public involvement process for land claims that is perceived to be fair, unbiased and respectful Public and key stakeholders informed/involved in land claim processes Stakeholders informed/involved in all active negotiations Stakeholders will be informed/involved in all active land claim negotiations The government s outstanding obligations with regard to land claims are met Negotiate land claims to address Ontario s obligations Number of claims with substantial progress Substantial progress toward settling six land claims Core Business: Aboriginal Economic Development Goal/Outcomes Measures Targets/Standards Commitments Building Aboriginal Economies programs are readily accessible by Aboriginal businesses and communities Demonstrated access by Aboriginal people to ministry programs Benchmark data to be developed in order to establish standards Work with ministries to establish performance measures for their programs Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 9

11 MINISTRY SPENDING BY CORE BUSINESS Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat Operating Capital $ 9.9 million $ 9.7 million 43 staff Operating Negotiations $4.3 million 15 staff Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination Operating $ 3.5 million Capital $ 9.7 million 16 staff Aboriginal Economic Development Operating $.8 million 0 staff Ministry Administration Operating $ 1.3 million 12 staff *PSAB based. Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 10

12 MINISTRY APPROVED ALLOCATIONS BY CORE BUSINESS PLAN* Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat Operating Capital $12.2 million $12.0 million 53 staff Operating Negotiations $5.3 million 18.5 staff Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination Operating $ 3.3 million Capital $12.0 million 18 staff Aboriginal Economic Development Operating $ 2.3 million 2.5 staff Ministry Administration Operating $1.3 million 14 staff *PSAB based. Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 11

13 WHO TO CALL Questions or comments about the Secretariat s business plan are welcomed. Visit our Web site at or contact: Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 4th Floor, 720 Bay Street, Toronto Ontario M5G 2K1 Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Secretary for Native Affairs Yan Lazor Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Aboriginal Economic Development Robin Wortman Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Aboriginal/Federal Relations Dan Gaspé Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination Tim Eger Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Negotiations Doug Carr Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Legal Services David Carson Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Communications Communications Manager Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 12

14 Minister s Office Hal Vincent Telephone (416) Facsimile (416) Business Plan Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat 13

15 Copies of this document are available free from: Publications Ontario, 880 Bay Street, Toronto ON M7A 1N8. Tel: (416) Out-of-town customers except Ottawa call: In Ottawa, call (613) or toll-free Telephone service for the hearing impaired is available toll-free throughout Ontario at Order copies via the Internet at Obtain an electronic copy of this document at Queen s Printer for Ontario, 1999 ISBN Ce document est disponible en français

ONTARIO S NEW APPROACH TO ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS. Prosperous and Healthy Aboriginal Communities Create a Better Future for Aboriginal Children and Youth

ONTARIO S NEW APPROACH TO ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS Prosperous and Healthy Aboriginal Communities Create a Better Future for Aboriginal Children and Youth Spring 2005 Prepared by: Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat