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Economic Development

• Natural Resource Development
• Capital Investments
• Land Claims
• Education
• New Relationship Fund

Far North Planning

Ontario will protect at least 225,000 square kilometres of the Far North Boreal region under its Far North Planning initiative. Scientists, First Nation and Métis communities will collaborate to map and permanently protect an interconnected network of conservation lands across the Far North.

Priority will be given to protect lands with key ecological features such as habitat for endangered species or important carbon sinks. Activity on these lands will be restricted to tourism and traditional Aboriginal uses. Ontario will also work with individual First Nation and Métis communities to begin a local land-use planning process. Success in protecting the lands and waterways in Ontario's Far North is integral to ensuring that natural resource-based economies in the region remain sustainable.

Resource Benefits Sharing

Sharing in the economic benefits of natural resource development is an integral part of the Ontario government's strategy to enable Aboriginal communities to improve their financial stability and control of economic development in their communities. The government is committed to consulting with First Nation and Métis communities throughout the province on ways to create a new system of resource benefits sharing that will provide greater economic benefit from natural resource development to Aboriginal communities.

Reforming and Modernizing Ontario's Mining Act

A review of the province's Mining Act is also under way to help address a wide range of concerns about mining in Ontario, while creating stability for both First Nations and industry.  It is hoped that the review will lead to more partnerships between First Nations and mining companies like the Attawapiskat-DeBeers Impact Benefits Agreement.

In February 2008 the province and the Chiefs of Ontario signed an historic Gaming Revenue Sharing Agreement that will give First Nations communities in Ontario $3 billion from provincial gaming revenues over 25 years. These funds will be used to support projects that can improve the quality of life, including community and economic development initiatives, in First Nations communities.

The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program helps First Nations and Aboriginal organizations build or renovate community centres or small business centres. These centres support community development and new businesses and can provide employment opportunities and tools that improve job skills and wellness.

Related Link:

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund

The resolution of land claims promotes strong First Nation communities.  Most land claim settlement agreements in Ontario involve the provision of financial compensation to the First Nation. They can also include the transfer of Crown land, when land is owned by the government, or is available from a willing seller.

Successful land claim settlements provide Aboriginal communities with opportunities for economic and community development as well as remove barriers to investment.  Land claim settlements foster a positive business climate for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike. 

Over the last four years Ontario settled seven land and land related claims with First Nations in the province.

Education and knowledge are the strongest assets in seeking gainful employment.  The 2006 Statistics Canada census on Aboriginal people and other studies on education have shown that the rate of graduation from high school among Aboriginal peoples is considerably lower than it is for non-Aboriginal people. 

There are a number of studies that show that if we close the education gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, we could add billions of dollars to our GDP.

Ontario has invested $12.7 million to support the implementation of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework to give Aboriginal children and youth a chance at a brighter and promising future.

Related Link:

Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Scholarships

The New Relationship Fund will enhance the capacity of First Nation and Métis communities to effectively consult with government and the private sector on a range of development initiatives.

It will also help support Aboriginal individuals, organizations and First Nation and Métis communities to enhance skills development and build business partnerships for sustainable economic development and employment and will help ensure that Aboriginal people can compete equitably in Ontario's economy.

The government is engaging with First Nation and Métis communities, Aboriginal organizations, industry, the federal government and others on the details of the Fund.  It is expected that the Fund will be operational in early winter 2009.

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Related Link:

Growth Plan for Northern Ontario