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A New Approach To Aboriginal Affairs - 2005

Ontario is charting a new course for a constructive, co-operative relationship with the Aboriginal peoples of Ontario a relationship that is sustained by mutual respect and that leads to improved opportunities and a better future for Aboriginal children and youth.

Our new approach calls for working with Aboriginal peoples to build this relationship and through it, develop productive partnerships, collaborate on key initiatives and achieve real progress on shared goals.

In 2004, we asked First Nations and Aboriginal leaders and organizations across Ontario for feedback about their interactions with the province, and about their hopes and priorities for their communities. Common themes emerged from their response. Expanding services for children and youth is a key concern. Improving the co-ordination of provincial and federal programs is another.

Above all, Aboriginal leaders said they want improved relationships with Ontario and more control over a range of matters that affect their communities, now and for the future. They stressed the paramount importance of finding Aboriginal solutions to Aboriginal concerns.

Relationship building will take time and require mutual effort and goodwill. It will also require workable channels of communication through effective relationship processes - both Ontario-based and at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial/Aboriginal level. As part of our new approach, Ontario is taking steps to make sure that appropriate processes are in place. We are looking for ways to make established processes work better, and will introduce new processes where needed.

We are also setting out a range of initiatives that respond to Aboriginal concerns.

Achieving a better future for ourselves and our young people is a goal shared by all residents of Ontario. At the heart of this government's new approach is the recognition that together we must create a better future for Aboriginal children and youth. We are committed to working with Aboriginal leaders and communities on health and education initiatives that will help Aboriginal children and youth stay healthier, do better at school and enjoy improved opportunities throughout life.

Other initiatives focus on improving the quality of life for Aboriginal communities and the children and youth who live there. A new Northern Table will look at the unique requirements of northern Aboriginal communities. An approach to consultation on matters related to constitutionally protected rights, Métis harvesting regimes, a justice strategy and a tobacco strategy are also important elements of Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs.

These initiatives offer a platform for working together on a spectrum of challenges - to ensure that Aboriginal peoples share in Ontario's prosperity, and help Aboriginal children and youth get a better start in life.

At the same time, the Ontario government has to manage its fiscal challenge. The 2004-2005 deficit has been reduced by $2.5 billion, from $5.5 billion in 2003-2004, to $3 billion in 2004-2005.

Achieving our shared goals with the Aboriginal peoples of Ontario will take mutual determination and perseverance.

The McGuinty government is committed to creating a new and positive era in the province's relationship with Aboriginal peoples in all their diversity. We look forward to working with Aboriginal communities and organizations across the province to make this new relationship a reality. In this way we will be able to sustain new, constructive partnerships and achieve real progress while staying fiscally responsible.

The Ontario government is listening, and our new approach offers the following vision as a basis for moving forward together:

Prosperous and healthy Aboriginal communities create a better future for Aboriginal children and youth

In developing a new relationship with Aboriginal peoples, we are building on the McGuinty government's True North commitments and are being guided by the following six principles:

1. Respectful Relationships with First Nations, Métis and Aboriginal Service Providers

   • Ontario recognizes that First Nations have existing governments and is committed to dealing with First Nations' governments in a co-operative and respectful manner that is consistent with their status as governments. Many aspects of Ontario's evolving relationship with First Nations will take shape from important policy decisions to come. Until this work is completed, Ontario's recognition of a government-to-government relationship with First Nations does not include jurisdictional or fiscal changes, or reflect a position related to the nature of First Nations' governments or rights.
   • Ontario is committed to working with Métis in a respectful manner. Ontario will discuss with Métis their aspirations regarding governance matters and will work with them as their institutions and structures evolve.
   • Ontario recognizes the importance of programs delivered by Aboriginal service providers across Ontario. The province will continue to partner with them to support and improve, where possible, the delivery of these programs.

2. Different Circumstances - Different Needs

   • Ontario's Aboriginal population is the largest and most diverse in Canada. There are different cultural communities, political groups and organizations -each with unique needs and perspectives.
   • Ontario recognizes this diversity, and the need for flexibility in order to implement meaningful changes that reflect community priorities.

3. Aboriginal Participation

   • Aboriginal peoples will have greater involvement in matters that directly affect their communities, including where applicable in programs and service delivery.

4. Federal Roles and Responsibilities

   • Ontario will work to establish clearer roles and responsibilities in keeping with the federal government's special relationship with Aboriginal peoples. The province will work with the federal government to foster a more constructive and co-operative relationship on Aboriginal matters.

5. Aboriginal and Treaty Rights

   • Ontario respects Aboriginal and treaty rights protected by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and is committed to meeting the province's constitutional and other legal obligations in respect of Aboriginal peoples.

6. Inclusiveness

   • Where appropriate and beneficial, Ontario will seek input from non-Aboriginal stakeholders on matters that affect their interests.

Ontario intends these principles to provide a foundation for building positive relationships and productive partnerships with Aboriginal peoples. Ontario recognizes that establishing meaningful relationships is the basis for improving the quality of life for Aboriginal children and youth.

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