Who We Are

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs has many responsibilities. To manage them, we divide our expertise and work in different units:

The Deputy Minister oversees the day-to-day management and operation of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.

Provides strategic policy and planning advice to support the advancement of the government's Aboriginal initiatives.

Develops and coordinates government-wide Aboriginal policy.
Provides planning and policy advice on Aboriginal matters.
Assesses the policies of other ministries for possible impacts on Aboriginal communities and for their fit with the government's priorities for Aboriginal matters.

Conducts policy research, analysis and implementation for special projects, including addressing the Ipperwash Inquiry Report's recommendations in cooperation with other ministries, Aboriginal organizations and the federal government.

Leads the development, implementation and monitoring of an OPS-wide framework for Aboriginal affairs in Ontario and maintains a report on achievements.
Ensures reliability, quality and consistency of data for reporting purposes through a one-window access to data.
Develops and maintains a data collection system/knowledge repository of Aboriginal information.

Develops and maintains positive relationships with Aboriginal leaders and organizations, partner ministries and external stakeholders.
Guides Ontario's relationship with the federal, provincial and territorial governments regarding Aboriginal matters.

Creates, enhances, maintains and supports formal and informal arrangements with Aboriginal leaders, organizations and partners.
Works with Aboriginal leaders and organizations to influence Aboriginal policy development and test the effects of proposed government policies and initiatives.
Works with other ministries on Aboriginal program issues, such as public health services, education and clean water.
Supports the Minister for meetings and outreach to Aboriginal communities.

Leads and coordinates corporate Aboriginal consultation and engagement policy development.
Develops operational guidelines and provides training and advice to other ministries on how best to consult with and engage Aboriginal people.

Manages relationships from both the resolution and issues management perspectives.
Develops strategies to respond to issues before they lead to disputes and direct action.

Focuses on resolving land claims and addressing Aboriginal rights and treaty rights.

Manages, leads and conducts multi-party, multi-issue land claim negotiations on behalf of the Province of Ontario.
Provides strategic guidance, historical research services and risk management advice on land and resources issues.
Supports and conducts negotiations on non-land claim matters, as required.
Implements negotiated settlements.
Builds relationships with other Ontario ministries and agencies, other governments (federal, provincial and municipal), Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations and communities, and other partners in support of land claim negotiations.

Builds positive relationships between the provincial government and Aboriginal communities throughout Ontario.

Leads the delivery of corporate services including:
- human resources,
- facilities and accommodations support,
- financial planning, reporting and analysis, and
- transfer payment programs and the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program.

Provides communications expertise and advice within the ministry.
Supports the ministry's and government's goals by developing communications products and services.
Provides expertise to other ministries on Aboriginal-related communications.

Provides legal services and advice on Aboriginal matters to the minister and to the ministry.
Advises provincial government lawyers on Aboriginal issues.

Office of the Deputy Minister