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Published Results-based Plan 2008-09

PART I:  PUBLISHED RESULTS-BASED PLAN 2008-09

MINISTRY OVERVIEW

Ministry Vision, Mission/Mandate, Key Priorities & Results

The June 2007 creation of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs signalled the commitment of the government to addressing the issues of Aboriginal peoples in Ontario, In his June 21, 2007 announcement, Premier Dalton McGuinty identified the creation of the stand-alone ministry, which replaced the Ontario Secretariat of Aboriginal Affairs, as a significant and symbolic step that reflected the importance of developing a stronger, broader partnership with Ontario’s Aboriginal peoples.

Since the creation of the ministry, the government has made formal commitments and taken concrete actions to address Aboriginal affairs in Ontario.

• The Throne Speech of November 29, 2007 included a focus on Aboriginal Affairs, committing to “forge a stronger, more positive relationship with Ontario’s First Nations to improve the quality of life and expand opportunities for all Aboriginal peoples, both on- and off-reserve.”
• In November 2007, the provincial government appointed its first Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

The ministry is also expected to deliver on previous commitments including:

• a Relationship Fund announced by the Premier in June 2007 to help Aboriginal people strengthen their skills and resources to work seamlessly with government
• acting on recommendations of the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry announced on May 31, 2007
• the development of proposals for Aboriginal people to share in the benefits of natural resource development announced in the Fall 2005 Throne Speech and
• the New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs released in 2005.

The new ministry has, in addition to a dedicated minister, its own deputy minister and dedicated resources.  As well, the ministry strategically coordinates government policies related to Aboriginal people in Ontario.

Corporate Leadership on Aboriginal Affairs Initiatives

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is responsible for leading new corporate government initiatives on Aboriginal affairs, and coordinating cross-ministry Aboriginal policy initiatives and multi-lateral relationship processes.  

The ministry also provides support to other ministries in their areas of specific responsibilities by providing. Aboriginal policy development and relationship expertise.

KEY PRIORITIES

Stronger Aboriginal relationships

The ‘relationships’ function involves developing, coordinating and managing constructive relationships with Aboriginal peoples and organizations, both on- and off-reserve. It also guides Ontario’s relationships with the federal government and other provincial/territorial governments with regard to Aboriginal matters.

The Relationships function provides corporate coordination of Aboriginal matters for the government in the areas of:

• Aboriginal relations coordination;
• Federal/provincial/territorial/Aboriginal (FPTA) relations; and
• Advice on corporate Aboriginal program delivery and management of priority Aboriginal initiatives with government-wide implications

Specific activities will include:

• Maintaining and building on existing relationship tables;
• Exploring opportunities to develop new relationship tables;
• Implementing the Ipperwash New Relationship Fund;
• Enhancing the ministry’s ability to provide advice on consulting with Aboriginal people; and
• Developing new ways to respond to disputes/direct action.

Improving social conditions

Improving the social conditions of Aboriginal people will involve:

• Exploring new ways to improve the social conditions of Aboriginal children and youth in Ontario;
• Developing new programs for urban Aboriginal people;
• Enhancing the delivery of on-reserve services and infrastructure priorities; and
• Administering the First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Agreement (signed February 2008).

Economic sustainability

Creating economic opportunities and sustainable Aboriginal economies will involve:

• Exploring proposals related to Resource Benefits Sharing (RBS) framework in Ontario; and
• Linking to Premier’s Five-point Economic plan by focusing on opportunities to support innovation and business partnerships

Enhanced land claims settlements and reconciliation

Goals for settling land claims and fostering reconciliation include:

• Resolving the use of Ipperwash Park;
• Consulting with First Nations and Métis on Ipperwash recommendations through the Ipperwash Implementation Priorities and Action Committee;
• Coordinating other interministerial Ipperwash Report recommendations; and
• Beginning the implementation of the ministry plan for reform of the land claim process.

The ministry undertakes the following land claims and land-related activities province-wide, including:

• Conducting land claim negotiations, and implementing land claim settlement agreements on behalf of the province;
• Considering Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal interests through a public involvement process;
• Creating greater certainty with respect to property rights; and
• Participating on behalf of Ontario in federally-led self-government negotiations where appropriate.

Where supported by a historical and legal basis, the ministry participates in land claim negotiations to achieve resolutions that:

• Address outstanding historical grievances which are the subject of claims;
• Take into consideration First Nation and non-Aboriginal interests through an enhanced public involvement process;
• Create greater clarity with respect to property rights;
• Satisfy Ontario’s legal obligations; and
• Promotes social harmony and economic development in communities affected by land claims.

The ministry also provides emergency response coordination; and Aboriginal issues identification, coordination and management.

Highlights of Achievements

Highlights include considerable progress on improving relationships with the Aboriginal community in Ontario, such as:

• Agreement with Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN), NAN First Nations and Ontario (Ministries of Aboriginal Affairs, Natural Resources, Northern Development and Mines, Energy and Environment) to establish a political forum to address outstanding issues of priority to the parties;
• Ongoing support for relationship processes including tripartite discussions on agreed-upon agenda items (Ontario, Canada and First Nations and Ontario, Canada and Metis Nation of Ontario);
• Establishment of the Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Action Committee (IIPAC) to work with First Nation and Metis leadership to determine priorities for implementation of Ipperwash recommendations;
• Commitment and announcement to transfer Ipperwash Provincial Park to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation;
• Conclusion of settlements related to Hunter’s Point and Michipicoten land issues;
• Enhancements to land claim negotiation processes designed to expedite settlement of land and land-related claims;
• MNO Framework Agreement; and
• Anishinabek Framework Agreement.

The ministry has provided corporate coordination of the government’s response to the release of the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry (the Linden Report) and has implemented specific initiatives in a range of areas in response to specific recommendations of the report.

The ministry has continued to coordinate the government’s response to the situation at Caledonia/Douglas Creek Estates, including participating in ongoing negotiations on the overall Six Nations – Haldimand land claim.

The new Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs was established in June 2007.
 

Ministry Organization Chart

Print Friendly Org Chart (PDF, 200 KB)

Legislation

• An Act to implement the Terms of a Settlement of all Claims arising out of the Contamination by Mercury and other Pollutants of the English and Wabigoon and Related River Systems

(English and Wabigoon River Systems Mercury Contamination Settlement Agreement Act, 1986)

Confirms a statutory agreement relating to the discharge of mercury into the English and Wabigoon Rivers and creates the Mercury Disability Board, which awards compensation to First Nation members demonstrating symptoms consistent with mercury poisoning.

• An Act respecting Land on Manitoulin Island, Barrie Island and Cockburn Island

(Manitoulin, Barrie and Cockburn Islands Land Act, 1990)

Not proclaimed in force.  Once proclaimed, it will implement in part the 1990 Manitoulin Island Settlement Agreement by Ontario and five First Nations by transferring land.

 

Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs)

Grassy Narrows and Islington Bands Mercury Disability Board: The Grassy Narrows and Islington Bands Mercury Disability Board (MDB) was established under the terms of the English and Wabigoon River Systems Mercury Contamination Settlement Agreement Act, 1986.

The MDB administers the Grassy Narrows and Islington Bands Mercury Disability Fund (MDF). It reviews applications from those members of the Grassy Narrows and Islington First Nations claiming to suffer the effects of mercury poisoning from pollution of the English and Wabigoon River system and recommends disbursements from the Fund to compensate approved applicants.

The Ministry provides an annual contribution to the operating expenditures of the Board, matched by the federal government. The Ministry is also responsible for monitoring and maintaining the Fund on an annual basis, and for providing sufficient funding to meet the forecast disbursement demand on the Fund as determined by the Fund Administrator.

2008-09 Expenditure Estimates ($M)	2008-09 Revenue Estimates ($M)	2007-08 Expenditure Interim Actualsh ($M)	2007-08 Revenue Interim Actuals ($M)	2006-07 Expenditure Actuals ($M)	2006-07 Revenue Actuals ($M)
Fund: 1.2010 Board: 0.0750	Not applicable	Fund: 0.6960 Board: 0.0651	Not applicable	Fund: 0.0010 Board: 0.0610	Not applicable

MINISTRY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following chart depicts the Ministry’s investment in 2008-09 by major operating expenditure. The operations of the Ministry can be shown in key areas:

• Salary and Benefit Expenditures
• Travel and Communications Expenditures
• Services Expenditures
• Supplies and Equipment Expenditures
• Transfer Payment Expenditures (including Capital Program Expenditures)

MAA Financial Information by Standard Account -- 2008/09
Vote/Items 2001-01, 2001-02 and 2001-03
($ Millions)

$ Millions	Item
12.83	Salary and Benefit Expenditures
2.47	Travel and Communications Expenditures
20.94	Services Expenditures
0.53	Supplies and Equipment Expenditures
18.73	Transfer Payment Funds (including Capital Programs)

Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2008-09 ($M)

	$ Millions
Operating	51.5618
Capital	4.0000
TOTAL	55.5618

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs works to enhance the government’s approach in Aboriginal matters, protect the government’s interests, address legal obligations, and work cooperatively with the federal government to benefit Aboriginal people in Ontario.

* Estimates for the previous fiscal year are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the Ontario Budget.

Table 2:  Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Votes/Programs	Estimates 2008-09 $	Change from Estimates 2007-08 $	Change %	Estimates 2007-08 $	Interim Actuals* 2007-08 $	Actuals 2006-07 $
OPERATING AND CAPITAL   Vote 2001	55,497,800	27,132,800	95.7	28,365,000	235,696,500	25,389,666
Total Including Special Warrants	55,497,800	27,132,800	95.7	28,365,000	---	---
Less: Special Warrants	---	(7,366,000)	(100.0)	7,366,000	---	---
Total Operating and Capital Expense to be Voted	55,497,800	34,498,800	164.3	20,999,000	235,696,500	25,389,666
Special Warrants	---	(7,366,000)	(100.0)	7,366,000	---	---
Statutory Appropriations	64,014	64,014	100.0	---	---	---
Ministry Total Operating & Capital Expense	55,561,814	27,196,814	95.7	28,365,000	235,696,500	25,389,666
Consolidation & Other Adjustments	---	---	---	---	---	---
Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments	55,561,814	27,196,814	95.9	28,365,000	235,696,500	25,389,666
Assets
Vote 2001	---	---	---	---	---	---
Total to be Voted	---	---	---	---	---	---
Statutory Appropriations	---	---	---	---	---	---

For more information, you can access the Ministry’s web site, at www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca

APPENDIX I: ANNUAL REPORT 2007-08

2007-08 Annual Report

Key Activities

Of primary importance in 2007-08 was the creation of the new Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs on June 21, 2007, elevating the former Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs to full ministry status with a stand-alone Minister and Deputy Minister. The creation of the new ministry directly addressed one of the recommendations contained in the “Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry” (the Linden Report) and reflected the government’s recognition of the need to establish a ministry with the mandate to build a stronger relationship with Aboriginal people and speed up the resolution of outstanding issues.

Three key activities were identified with the creation of the new ministry:

• Work with the federal government on a new process that would expedite land claims in Ontario;
• Launch a New Relationship Fund, which will help Aboriginal communities strengthen their skills and resources to work more seamlessly with governments; and
• Work towards resolving the future use of Ipperwash Park by the end of the year – together with First Nations, local residents and the federal government – in a way that is fair, transparent and inclusive.

Since the creation of the Ministry, considerable progress has been made in fiscal 2007-08 in a range of areas, with particular emphasis on the following areas.

Improving relationships with the Aboriginal Community

Specific initiatives in the area of improved relationships with the Aboriginal community in Ontario include:

• Reaching an agreement with Northern Table chiefs and key ministries (Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Energy and Ministry of the Environment) to put in place a framework for the Table. The Northern Table is a forum for issues impacting on a major portion of Ontario.
• Ongoing support for relationship processes including tripartite (Ontario, Canada and Aboriginal) discussions with Chiefs and Canada on agreed-upon agenda items of education and relationships.

Expediting the Land Claims Process

In addition to continued negotiations on a number of land claims across Ontario, the Ministry specifically:

• Concluded settlements related to Hunter’s Point and Michipicoten land issues;
• Proceeded with negotiations towards resolving the future use of Ipperwash Park, involving First Nations and the local non-Aboriginal community;
• Continued coordination of the Government’s response to the situation at Caledonia/Douglas Creek Estates, including ongoing negotiations on the overall Six Nations – Haldimand land claim, as well as ongoing dispute resolution in other locations, including Deseronto, Frontenac and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug;
• Began work both internally and with the federal government on developing enhancements to land claim negotiation processes designed to expedite settlement of land and land-related claims.

Corporate Aboriginal Policy and Coordination

The Ministry has provided corporate coordination of the Government’s response to the release of the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry (the Linden Report) and has implemented specific initiatives in a range of areas in response to specific recommendations of the Report. One of these specific initiatives involves the development of the parameters for the New Relationship Fund announced by Premier McGuinty on June 21, 2007 at the time of the creation of the new Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.

Work is proceeding with the establishment of the new Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs as announced in June 2007. This includes the provision of additional staff and operating resources as well as the consolidation of existing small offices of the Ministry located in Toronto into a single location, to be completed in the 2008—09 fiscal year.

Table 1:  Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2007-08

	Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures ($M) 2007-08h
Operating	232.0
Capital	3.7
Staff Strength (as of March 31, 2008)	112.8

* Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the Ontario Budget.