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For Immediate Release
February 17, 2003

News Release

Leaders Gather to Boost Aboriginal Participation in Canada's Economy

TORONTO – The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Honourable Peter Irniq, Commissioner of Nunavut will join together Wednesday morning to open the National Business Summit dedicated to strengthening Aboriginal participation in Canada's economy.

This group of corporate, Aboriginal and government leaders will gather at the Four Seasons Hotel for two days to discuss ways to increase Aboriginal economic participation and improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people throughout Canada by building partnerships.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am delighted to be involved with the National Business Summit," said the Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and co-host of the Summit. "This Summit is a forum to discuss practical strategies, initiatives and projects that will strengthen Aboriginal participation in the economy. Working with Aboriginal people, communities and businesses makes good financial sense and will help provide economic stability in these communities as well as improve the quality of life."

"Our goal is to engage the private sector in Aboriginal economic development, to drive the economy and create jobs for the future. Government cannot do it alone," said Summit co-host, Ontario Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs David Young. "Only by working together will we be able to spur new partnerships that benefit both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities."

Three themes will be featured at the Summit: Building Partnerships, Building the Entrepreneurial Spirit and Building the Investment Climate.

The Summit's goal is to further the role of the private sector in strengthening Aboriginal participation in the economy by providing an opportunity for networking and information sharing among key public and private stakeholders. Throughout the Summit, participants will share information on how to develop and maintain partnerships as well as provide first-hand accounts of successful partnerships across Canada.

The Summit is co-hosted by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. The Honourable David Young will deliver his keynote speech at a luncheon address Wednesday, February 19, at 1:30 p.m. The Honourable Robert D. Nault will make his keynote speech on Thursday, February 20, at 8:45 a.m.

Opening ceremonies will feature traditional drumming and singing by the Red Spirit Singers. Included among the notable speakers from across Canada will be Brenda Chambers, President, Brenco Media; John Bernard, President, Donna Cona Inc.; Bernd Christmas, CEO, Membertou Development Corporation; Grand Chief Dr. Ted Moses, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee); Ray Wanoch, Métis Nation of Alberta; Tom Maracle, Xerox Canada; and Roger Barber, Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc.

Media are invited to attend the speeches and plenary sessions and there will be opportunities to interview dignitaries and participants.

Rosemary Sampson
Manager, Communications
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat:
Email: rosemary.sampson@osaa.gov.on.ca
Phone: 416-326-4780
Cell: 416-570-8940

Diane Laursen
Media Relations Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Email: laursend@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Phone: (819) 994-2044
Cell: (613) 297-6860