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For Immediate Release
February 19, 2003

News Release

Renewal of Successful Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy

TORONTO – The Ernie Eves government is pleased to announce the renewal of its pivotal Building Aboriginal Economies (BAE) strategy for an additional five years, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs David Young announced today during a keynote speech at the National Business Summit, a forum of the Federal / Provincial / Territorial / Aboriginal leaders.

"Promoting and strengthening Aboriginal economic development is the foundation of Ontario's approach to Aboriginal affairs," said Young. "By fostering economic development in Aboriginal communities, the government supports the full participation of Aboriginal people in Ontario's vibrant economy."

The Building Aboriginal Economies strategy and its seminal Working Partnerships program were first announced in July 1998. Today the strategy has grown into a co-ordinated framework of more than 35 programs and services across 11 Ontario ministries.

The primary objective of the Working Partnerships program is developing partnerships between the Aboriginal and corporate sectors. "It is through partnerships that we engage the private sector in Aboriginal economic development. It is through the power of partnerships that we will continue to create new opportunities in Aboriginal communities and provide the private sector with profitable new ventures," said Young.

"We are making this announcement today, as an evaluation of the strategy has confirmed the value of renewing this initiative," added Young. "We have listened to our strategic partners and look to improve co-ordination. We will focus more on marketing and promotion of the strategy in order to build on its proven successes." The Ontario government has invested almost $10 million which has helped leverage more than $48 million in capital investment in Aboriginal businesses or partnerships.

Through the BAE strategy, Ontario has learned that collaboration is a win-win proposition that means new business opportunities for all partners. To quote one of the winning partners of the 2001 Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award (OAPRA), Jeff Wesley of Union Gas Limited, "The partnership between Union Gas and Six Nations Gas has been a valuable partnership for both of us. Partnerships do work and I encourage others to follow our lead. Partnerships make excellent business sense."

Young's announcement was made to national Aboriginal leaders, private-sector representatives and government ministers from across Canada gathered at the National Business Summit to network and discuss how best to support economic initiatives in Aboriginal communities—enhancing the participation of Aboriginal people in the economy to benefit both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities through working partnerships.

"We are counting on the Aboriginal and corporate communities to join us in renewing the commitment to this vital goal of building Aboriginal economies by tapping the power of partnerships," said Young.

Ron Ross
Minister's Office
416-326-4429

Rosemary Sampson
Manager, Communications
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
416-326-4780
Cell: 416-570-8940

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