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For Immediate Release
February 4, 2009

Fact Sheet

The McGuinty Government's Progress on Aboriginal Affairs

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The McGuinty government is committed to strengthening relationships with First Nation, Métis and Inuit leaders, communities and organizations. Through the province's first stand-alone Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, the Ontario government is making investments and working with First Nation, Métis and Inuit people to improve their quality of life.

Ontario is working with Aboriginal communities and organizations on shared priorities in areas including education, health and economic development. Initiatives are being undertaken with a goal of closing the socio-economic gap between Aboriginal people and other residents of Ontario.

Since 2004, the Premier has hosted annual meetings with Aboriginal leaders and service providers to discuss various issues and priorities.

In working to improve quality of life, the province invests about $600 million annually on programs and services for Aboriginal people through ministries across government. About $300 million of this goes to children and social services, $230 million for health services, $80 million for justice and policing initiatives, and $45 million for education and training programs.

See what we are doing to:

• Build stronger aboriginal relationships
• Improve social conditions
• Foster economic development, job skills, education and training
• Address land claims and reconciliation

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