December 30, 2016

Ms. Sophie Kiwala
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
160 Bloor Street East
4th Floor, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2E6

Dear Ms. Kiwala:

I am honoured to have you as my parliamentary assistant, and thank you for the valuable support that you will provide me in this crucial role. I welcome you to the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and look forward to working closely with you to ensure that both ministry and overall government objectives are achieved.

At this mid-point of our mandate — and after having achieved two years of real and tangible progress — we are redoubling our efforts to deliver on our top priority — economic growth and good jobs. Our balanced plan to build Ontario up for everyone will deliver real benefits and more inclusive growth that will help people in their everyday lives. We will do this by continuing to invest in better infrastructure, more affordable and accessible postsecondary education, a competitive, low-carbon economy and improved retirement security.

Responsible fiscal management remains an overarching priority for our government, and, thanks to our disciplined approach, we are on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18.

The mandate letter I received in September from Premier Wynne sets out my specific priorities as minister for the coming two years. Parliamentary assistants play a key role in meeting these priorities and in helping put our government’s plan into action.

Our ministry is committed to strengthening relationships, improving social conditions and building economic opportunity for Indigenous communities across Ontario. I am proud to say we have made tangible progress towards creating a better future for First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Ontario. As a government, we will continue to work with Indigenous partners to develop cross-government initiatives which Ontario will implement over the next three years.

As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, your specific responsibilities include:

  • Working with the Minister of Children and Youth Services and Indigenous partners within the framework of the Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy to co-develop culturally appropriate services and towards the recognition of jurisdiction and control.
  • Supporting partner ministers in the development and implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Action Plan including the Indigenous Languages Revitalization Strategy.
  • Engaging with Indigenous youth about current and new training and employment opportunities to ensure they can share in the benefits of a growing economy, particularly in the natural resources sector, including forestry and mining.

A tremendous opportunity lies before us — to ensure that our ministry’s mandate is fully and effectively implemented, to continue to build Ontario up and to deliver real benefits to all Ontarians.

Sincerely,

David Zimmer signature

The Honourable David Zimmer
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation