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McGuinty Government Reaffirms Commitment To Resource Benefits Sharing With Aboriginal Communities

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Ontario has reaffirmed its commitment to resource benefits sharing with Aboriginal communities by setting aside $30 million for the initiative.

The Ontario government and Aboriginal communities will continue to discuss what a comprehensive resource benefits sharing system should look like. The goal of resource benefits sharing is to strengthen economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities. This could include encouraging business partnerships between Aboriginal communities and natural resource companies.

Resource benefits sharing would:

include Aboriginal communities province-wide in the socio-economic benefits of natural resource development
encourage economic development opportunities, skills training and job creation for Aboriginal communities
promote economic spin-offs that will improve regional economies and Ontario as a whole.

Quotes

"This investment underlines Ontario's commitment to successfully conclude a plan for resource benefits sharing and foster a positive climate for partnerships in economic development, leading to prosperity for Aboriginal communities and Ontario as a whole."
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

"For many First Nations peoples in Ontario, sharing the wealth generated from the land and natural resources is a fundamental treaty right that forms part of the treaty relationship with the Crown. Any additional revenue directed at First Nations communities will be put to good use for the benefit of people and their community development needs."
— Angus Toulouse, Ontario Regional Chief

"Resource benefits sharing is just one component of our government's commitment to a prosperous, healthy and sustainable future for Aboriginal communities in Ontario."
— Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources.

"Mining is Canada's largest private sector employer of Aboriginal people. This timely initiative will help ensure Aboriginal communities have the opportunity to share in the many benefits mineral development can offer."
— Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines

Quick Facts

Resource benefits sharing will include a balanced approach to economic development and conservation of natural resources.
Resource benefits sharing was announced along with the Far North Planning Initiative and modernizing the Mining Act by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty July 14, 2008.

Learn More

About economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities

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