Published plans and annual reports 2016-2017: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Ministry Overview

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs was created in 2008 to develop a stronger, broader partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Ontario to improve the quality of life of Indigenous people through development of sustainable economies and improved social conditions, ensuring Ontario is as fair and prosperous as it can be.

Mandate

The ministry’s mandate requires it to:

• promote collaboration and coordination across ministries on Indigenous policy and programs in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit
• set priorities for, and track the progress of, Ontario’s Indigenous agenda
• enhance government awareness of Indigenous people, issues and best practices for consulting and engaging with Indigenous people
• work with the federal government to find ways to make the most of federal funding
• help Indigenous people access Ontario government programs, services and information
• reform the land claims process to help address historical grievances
• encourage diversity and inclusion, especially representation of Indigenous people, in the Ontario Public Service.

Building on this broad mandate, the ministry’s strategic direction is focussed on four areas:

• building stronger relationships between Ontario and Indigenous partners
• improving social conditions and quality of life for Indigenous people
• increasing economic opportunity and sustainability for Indigenous people and communities
• resolving land claim issues and working to achieve reconciliation between Indigenous people and the Ontario government.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is mandated to work with ministries to coordinate policy and program initiatives designed to deliver on key priorities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Ministry Contribution to Priority Outcomes

Corporate priorities for 2016-17 include:

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Initiatives:

• Continuing work on a Treaty Strategy that:
  • promotes public awareness on treaties;
  • facilitates constructive engagement on treaties;
  • revitalizes treaty relationships; and
  • promotes improved socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.
• Working acrossministries to review and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report.
• Building on the work done by MCYS and MCSCS, MAA will work in partnership to develop and deliver mandatory Indigenous cultural competency and anti-racism training to all employees across the Ontario Public Service.
• Supporting the government’s participation in the Coroner’s Inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations youth in Thunder Bay, and reviewing and responding to the recommendations, once released.
• Working with ministries and Indigenous partners to increase Indigenous voices in decision-making across government.
• Working together across government and with urban Indigenous partners to develop an Urban Aboriginal Action Plan to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people living in urban centres and to foster sustainable, healthy and resilient urban Indigenous communities.
• Supporting the development of an Aboriginal Community Hub in Toronto that will help to create more economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for urban Indigenous peoples.
• Delivering the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund, which supports Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations through grants and improved access to financing.
• Developing new tools and resources to support Indigenous economic and business development, including implementing Ontario’s Public Service Aboriginal Procurement Program.
• Providing ongoing support for Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners by updating the Aboriginal Business Development Toolkit,  developing a  new community economic development tool for Indigenous communities and economic development professionals, and consolidating the Ontario Aboriginal Business Directory with the Government of Canada’s Aboriginal Business Directory to enhance user experience and reduce administrative burden with a ‘one window’ approach.
• Continuing to work across government to ensure that Indigenous peoples share in the benefits of natural resource development and are engaged in resource-related economic development by advancing the province’s local/sectoral approach to resource benefits sharing.
• Supporting remote and rural communities through a Remote Electrification Readiness Program to ensure that remote First Nation communities have the social supports in place to allow them to maximize on economic development opportunities associated with connection to the grid.
• Reaching final settlements in six active land claims.
• Continuing to work with the Algonquins of Ontario and the federal government toward ratifying an Agreement-in-Principle on the Algonquin land claim and making progress toward a negotiated final agreement that would ultimately establish Ontario’s first modern-day treaty and help build a more secure economic environment in eastern Ontario.
• With the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC), working to fulfill Ontario’s commitment to transfer the Burtch land to the people of Six Nations, collaborating with SNEC and Haldimand County on an economic development plan for the former Douglas Creek Estate property that will have long-term benefits for multiple local communities, and working towards a one-window approach to give industry and government improved access when consulting and doing business with the Six Nations community.
• Participating in the Ontario/Grassy Narrows Mercury Working Group and the Review of the Mercury Disability Board to continue efforts to address concerns related to mercury poisoning and associated health and social issues in the Grassy Narrows First Nation community.
• In partnership with the Ontario Women’s Directorate, co-leading the implementation plan for Walking Together: Ontario’s Long –Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Women.
• In collaboration with the Ontario Women’s directorate, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs will host the fifth National Aboriginal Women’s Summit in 2016.
• Supporting national engagement processes including the Council of the Federation and representing Ontario on the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group, composed of all provinces and territories and national Aboriginal organizations; participating in working groups on the priority areas of education and economic development, including housing, ending violence against Indigenous women and girls, and disaster mitigation and emergency management services on reserves.
• Working with the Métis Voyageur Development Fund (MVDF) and the Métis Nation of Ontario to act on the recommendations from the year 4 joint independent evaluation of the MVDF.
• Working across government to strengthen the development, collection and analysis of data, information and performance measures to help track the overall well-being of Indigenous people in Ontario.
• Developing integrated data strategies with ministries, Indigenous organizations, and communities to support a whole-of-government approach to Indigenous policy issues and improve Indigenous data collection.
• Considering the Statement of Environmental Values when proposing policies and Acts that may have a significant effect on the environment, as a prescribed ministry under the Environmental Bill of Rights as of January 2015.

Ministry Support for Initiatives Led by other Ministries:

• In partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations, provincial ministries, the federal government and the private and non-profit sectors, continue to work to close the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non- Indigenous peoples by developing policies, programs and initiatives in a range of areas, including education, health and wellness, children and youth, poverty reduction, food security, social assistance, seniors, and justice. For example:
  • Continuing collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and Indigenous partners in the implementation of the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy and the review of the Child and Family Services Act.
  • Continuing to work with the Community Hubs Secretariat as it moves forward in developing a community hubs model approach in Ontario.
  • Supporting the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as it works to improve access to good quality housing for Indigenous people in Ontario.
  • Continuing to work with the Ministry of Education on developing supports to improve First Nations, Métis and Inuit student outcomes.
  • Continuing to work in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on developing supports to improve Indigenous health outcomes and overall well-being.
  • Supporting the implementation of the Iacobucci Report by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
  • Supporting the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services as it develops the Strategy for a Safer Ontario, which includes the development of a First Nations policing framework and Community safety and Well-Being Planning Framework.
  • Working with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, the federal government and First Nations partners to make substantive progress in improving drinking water on reserves.
  • Working with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, as part of the Green Investment Fund, to provide funding to the Ontario Centre for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Resources, in partnership with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation to  build technical capacity for First Nations to  participate in economic opportunities associated with greenhouse gas mitigation activities and develop adaptation plans.
  • Continuing to work with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the Ministry of Community and Social Services on increasing economic opportunities for Indigenous people through Employment and Training Services integration.
  • Supporting the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines on negotiations with First Nations to sustainably develop the Ring of Fire area under the Regional Framework Agreement reached in April 2014.
  • Support the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and track progress for Ontario’s on- and off-reserve Indigenous populations, on PRS indicators.
  • Working with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, other ministries, Indigenous and other partners to develop a cross-government Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) strategy that will improve the experiences and outcomes for individuals affected by FASD across their lifespan.
  • Working with the Ministry of Finance on tobacco-related issues, including working with First Nation pilot project communities as well as providing support for the modernization of the Ontario Gas Card Program.
• Supporting ministries in meeting their Duty to Consult obligations by working with them to identify and resolve consultation related issues.

Ministry Programs

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs works to meet the Ontario government’s commitment to improve the quality of life of Indigenous people through work in four strategic areas.

Building Stronger Indigenous Relationships

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs will continue to build stronger relationships with Indignenous communities and organizations, as well as federal, provincial and territorial partners. Examples include:

• Facilitating the 11^th annual meeting between the Premier and Indigenous  leaders, including Chiefs of Ontario (COO), Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC).
• Leading bi-lateral relationship tables with Indigenous organizations and communities across Ontario. These tables focus on matters related to provincial policy and priorities, including but not limited to the implementation of the political accord, recognition of the treaty relationship, and where appropriate, collaboration with the provincial ministry and federal partners.
• Representing Ontario’s interests on the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG) comprised of the 13 provinces and territories and five National Aboriginal Organizations.
• Implementing the Framework Agreement with the <MNO, renewed for five years in April 2014. The new agreement promotes and facilitates the advancement of Métis people in Ontario through the priorities of joint planning, collaboration and action between the MNO and participating Ontario ministries.
• Continuing to support the Minister’s attendance at annual general meetings and special assemblies of provincial Indigenious organizations.
• Responding in a timely fashion to disputes and emerging issues with Indigenous  partners through alternative dispute resolution supports and provision of strategic Indigenous  relations advice.
• Continuing to provide funding support to First Nations, Métis and Indigenous  organizations, enabling them to hire staff and experts to enhance their ability to build relationships with government and engage in consultation.
• Working with the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and other ministries in engaging the federal government to help improve outcomes, build capacity and enhance Indigenous  participation in the design and delivery of programs and services.
• Collaborating with Indigenous partners and provincial ministries on a treaty education and public awareness campaign to identify opportunities to raise awareness of treaties and treaty-related issues.
• Working with the OFIFC, MNO, and ONWA to develop an Urban Aboriginal Action Plan to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people living in urban centres and to foster sustainable, healthy and resilient urban Indigenous communities.
• Continuing with efforts towards reconciliation, a focus of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Political Accord signed by the Premier and Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day on August 24, 2015, provides a platform for First Nations and the Province to work together on common priorities, which are being identified through discussions with First Nations.

Improving Social Conditions

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, in collaboration with Indigenous partners and partner ministries, supports strategic investments in Indigenous people and communities. The ministry will continue to work toward closing the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Ontarians by:

• Working with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services’ as it continues to collaborate with Indigenous partners in implementing the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy, aimed at improving outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit children and youth on- and off-reserve.
• Supporting the work of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group on Indigenous education:
  • Calling for a First Ministers’ Meeting on Indigenous education and developing a framework for that meeting.
  • Developing a joint work plan with the Council of Ministers of Education on shared priorities.
  • Developing a report on education self-identification practices from across the country.
  • Developing an inventory of innovative bilateral agreements for education with the federal government and regional Indigenous organizations.
• Supporting Anishnawbe Health Toronto in the development of an Aboriginal Community Hub that will provide the urban Indigenous community greater access to health and cultural programming, Indigenous businesses, and other services, and that will also serve as a Pan Am/Parapan Am Games legacy initiative.
• Facilitate the coordination of Ontario’s response to Indigenous community issues and emergencies, including working with provincial ministries and collaborating with federal departments to respond quickly to address social emergencies declared in First Nations communities.

Supporting Economic Opportunity and Sustainability

Strong and vibrant Indigenous businesses benefit First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and communities, as well as Ontario as a whole. The ministry supports economic growth and sustainable Indigenous economies by:

• Funding high-potential Indigenous businesses and community projects that are creating employment, training and business opportunities through the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund.
• Encouraging the participation of Métis entrepreneurs and Métis-owned businesses in the resource sector through funding provided to the Metis Voyageur Development Fund.
• Continuing to work across government and with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous peoples share in the benefits of natural resource development and are engaged in resource-related economic development by supporting the province`s local/sectoral approach to resource benefits sharing.
• Improving economic growth and creating jobs by facilitating Indigenous industry and government partnerships, development of Indigenous businesses and support for Indigenous community economic planning and infrastructure.
• Supporting Indigenous business development through the Aboriginal Procurement Program which builds on the two-year Indigenous Procurement Pilot.
• Working with Indigenous communities and organizations to regularly share key economic development information and resources, and supporting Indigenous economic development events, including workshops and conferences.
• Working across government to develop new tools to coordinate, track and report on Indigenous economic development and skills training supports and to expand the menu of Indigenous business and community economic development supports and resources.
• Collaborating with other ministries to develop and implement key policy initiatives impacting Indigenous people and ensuring that these initiatives support Indigenous economic development. Initiatives include the Far North Land Use Planning, Climate Change, First Nation drinking water improvements, Low Carbon, Jobs and Economy Act, and Agriculture in the North.
• Working with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines to identify economic opportunities for First Nations located near the Ring of Fire region through targeted investments in skills training, governance and capacity building.
• Continuing to work with the Ministry of Finance and First Nation pilot project communities to explore options for self-regulation of tobacco on reserve, as well as developing strategies for the diversification of economies on reserve beyond tobacco.
• Administering the First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing and Financial Agreement. The agreement is to provide First Nations with long-term, stable financial support to improve the quality of life in First Nation communities.
• Participating in the Economic Working Group of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group.
• Launching the redesigned Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program to continue to provide needed infrastructure to Indigenous communities across Ontario.
• Administering the New Relationship Fund to help First Nations and Métis communities build capacity to participate in meaningful consultations and engagement with government and the private sector on lands and resource matters. The Fund also invests in Indigenous communities and organizations that are building their capacity to engage in economic development activities related to lands and resources.
• Administering the Remote Electrification Readiness Program that provides funding to remote and rural First Nation communities to support community readiness to maximize employment and business opportunities for the First Nation communities benefitting from the planned expansion of electricity projects in northwestern Ontario.

Land Claims and Reconciliation

The ministry will continue to address Ontario’s outstanding legal obligations on land claims and land-related disputes with Indigenous people with the goal of achieving lasting settlements through a non-litigated negotiation process and fostering reconciliation between the provincial government and Indigenous people living in Ontario.

Some of the land claim and land-related activities that will continue in 2016-17 include:

• Working with over 75 First Nations on 64 active land claims in research, negotiations, and implementation of final settlement agreements resolving historic land claim issues.
• Working with over 20 First Nations on land-related matters that fall outside of the formal land claim process with the goal of resolving ongoing land and resource disputes.
• Negotiating with Algonquin representatives and the federal government to secure the proposed Agreement-in-Principle that has been negotiated to frame a final settlement that will address the issues raised by the Algonquin land claim.
• Working with Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) to enable farming on the Burtch property in 2016 as well as working with the SNECto transfer the Burtch land to a Six Nations community-based corporation set up by the SNEC.
• Participating in the Mercury Disability Board review and the Ontario/Grassy Narrows Working Group.
• Working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on the decommissioning of Ipperwash Park so it can be added to reserve lands.
• Implementing negotiation process improvements to promote more efficient resolution of land claims.
• Improving coordination with the federal government to realize further land claim negotiation process efficiencies.
• Providing corporate policy and operational guidance and advice to ministries on meeting the Crown’s legal duty to consult when they undertake activities that may impact Indigenous and treaty rights.

Ministry Allocation of 2016-17 Base Spending by Standard Account ($76.99M)

Transfer Payments=$47,137,900 (61%)

Salaries and Benefits=$14,678,014 (19%)

Services=$13,880,200 (18%)

Transportation and Communications=$1,025,000 (1%)

Supplies and Equipment=$265,300 (1%)

Ministry Allocation of 2016-17 Base Spending by Vote and Item ($76.99M)

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs=$62,463,600 (81%)

Ministry Administration=$11,519,814 (15%)

Capital=$3,001,000 (4%)

Land Claims and Self Government=$2,000 (0%)

Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2016-17 ($M)

Highlights of 2015-16 Achievements

The following section notes the highlights of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs’ work in the 2015-16 fiscal year.

Stronger Indigenous Relationships

• On August 24, 2015, the government signed a Political Accord establishing a formal bilateral relationship at the political level, framed by the treaty relationship and the recognition of First Nations’ inherent right to self-government. The Political Accord is a political, not a legal agreement, and is not intended to impact the interpretation of rights, legal obligations or jurisdiction of First Nations nor Ontario.
• Facilitated the 10^th annual meeting between the Premier and Indigenous  leaders, including the MNO, ONWA, and OFIFC.
• Participated in the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG) to discuss key joint priorities with other Provinces and Territories and National Aboriginal Organizations.
• Worked with Indigenous partners and other ministries to begin to plan and develop a treaty education and public awareness campaign to raise public awareness of treaties and treaty-related issues.
• Funded the OFIFC to support joint policy development and research.
• Funded policy capacity within the Indigenous Political Territorial Organizations to support policy development in areas of common concern (e.g., protection of Indigenous culture and heritage).
• Worked with the Ministry of Finance to advance the work of pilot projects with two First Nations (Chippewas of the Thames and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne) to explore First Nations self-regulation of tobacco on reserve.
• In conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, supported the Anishinabek Nation in the development of a framework for tobacco and gasoline to explore revenue generation for the Anishinabek Nation from on-reserve sales.
• Partnered with Indigenous organizations as part of formal and informal relationship tables, including Grand Council Treaty #3, MNO, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
• Worked with Cabinet Office, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Ontario Women’s Directorate and key national and provincial Indigenous partners to coordinate Ontario’s input into the second National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
• Through participation on the leadership and technical tables led by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, supported the joint development of the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy.
• In partnership with the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Secretariat and the Ministry of Toursim, Culture and Sport supported the Indigenous partners through their participation in games promotion, celebration and legacy strategy.
• In partnership with the Ontario Women’s Directorate and the Ministry of Attorney General , supported Ontario’s participation at the 2^nd National Roundtable to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls.
• Continued to work through the Urban Aboriginal Policy Engagement Table with the OFIFC, MNO, and ONWA to inform provincial program and policy development related to Indigenous people living off-reserve.

Improved Social Conditions

• Supported the OFIFC, MNO, and ONWA to lead a comprehensive engagement with local communities to provide input to inform the development of the Urban Aboriginal Action Plan.
• Supported the OFIFC, MNO, and ONWA in hosting the province-wide urban Indigenous forum focused on highlighting wise community practices in relationship building, partnership and community development in urban Indigenous communities as well as to inform the development of an Urban Aboriginal Action Plan.
• Supported the implementation of the Iacobucci Report on Indigenous justice by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
• Co-led a Joint Working Group with five Indigenous and ten ministry partners to develop and launch Walking Together: Ontario’s Long-Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, along with a commitment to provide $100 million over three years in new funding to support implementation of the strategy.
• Provided support, along with the Ministries of Children and Youth Services,  Health and Long Term Care and Traning, Colleges and Universities, to Right to Play to deliver programming to Indigenous children and youth in 46 First Nations communities and four urban Indigenous organizations.
• Continued to work with the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, through the recommendations coming from the Feathers of Hope Youth forum held in 2012-13 to expand opportunities for Indigenous children and youth in Ontario.
• Worked with provincial ministries and collaborated with federal departments to respond quickly to address social emergencies in First Nations communities.

Economic Opportunity and Sustainability

• Continued administration of the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF)
  • Approved more than $5.3 million to support 34 Economic Diversification Grant projects over three years for initiatives that broaden economic activity, create jobs and provide training opportunities.
  • Approved more than $3 million to support nine Regional Parntership Grant projects over three years for initiatives that improve access to skills training and/or financing for Indigenous people in Ontario.
  • Approved $15 million over three years to support six Indigenous Financial Institutions in Ontario through the AEDF Business and Community Fund, enhancing the ability of these capital corporations to provide grants and financing to high potential Indigenous businesses and community projects.
• Completed an evaluation of the Aboriginal Procurement Pilot, which informed the development of the Aboriginal Procurement Program in 2015-16. The pilot helped improve capacity and access to government procurement opportunities for Indigenous businesses, resulting in over $11 million in new procurement contracts.
• Provided $3 million to the Metis Voyageur Development Fund to support Métis economic development.
• Provided funding to support the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association’s annual economic development conference.
• Partnered with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business to undertake the 2015 Survey of Aboriginal Community Economic Development Corporations in Ontario; released in spring 2015, as well as the Ontario Aboriginal Business Report: 2016, to be released in spring 2016.
• Updated the Aboriginal Business Development Toolkit with new and updated content; to be released in spring 2016.
• During the 2015-16 pilot of the Aboriginal Community Capital Grant program with revised criteria, funded 18 capital projects to be completed in 2016-17 .
• Provided organizational support and community funding, including Indigenous organizations that partner with Ontario as part of formal and informal relationship tables, as well as Indigenous communities that partner with Ontario on specific initiatives including training.
• Through the New Relationship Fund, invested $14.5 million in 2015-16 to support:
  • 107 Core Consultation Capacity projects with First Nation and Métis communities, providing multi-year funding to enable long-term planning and engagement on lands and resource issues.
  • 13 Enhanced Capacity Building projects supporting stronger, more prosperous Indigenous organizations and communities in Ontario.
• Funded four projects, representing 21 remote First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario, in 2015-17 under the Remote Electrification Readiness Program. These projects support local employment and business opportunities.
• Through the Green Investment Fund, committed $5 million to the Ontario Centre for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Resources, in partnership with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation, to  build technical capacity for First Nations to  participate in economic opportunities associated with greenhouse gas mitigation activities and develop adaptation plans.
• Worked with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to become a prescribed ministry in September 2015 under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993.

Land Claims and Reconciliation

The ministry continued to address Ontario’s outstanding legal obligations on land claims and land-related disputes with Indigenous people with the goal of achieving lasting settlements through negotiations.

• Signed the Final Agreement with Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation on its Treaty Land Entitlement claim.
• Signed with Pic Mobert First Nation the Final Agreement pursuant to the 1991 Land and Larger Land Base Framework Agreement.
• Worked with Algonquin land claim negotiating parties to develop a proposed Agreement-in-Principle that includes amendments that were made as a result of consultations on the Preliminary Draft Agreement-in-Principle that was made public in December 2012.
• Continued progress with Attawapiskat First Nation, Canada and partner ministries to resolve outstanding land issues in the community. Addressing these issues will facilitate development of critical housing and other community infrastructure requirements.
• Began work with the Six Nations Elected Council to confirm community consultation will be conducted on the agricultural use of the Burtch property as well as on transferring the Burtch land to the people of Six Nations.
• Provided funding in support of both the Mercury Disability Board operations and payment to beneficiaries of the Mercury Disability Fund. As of December, 2014, there were 199 beneficiaries of the Mercury Disability Fund.

The ministry worked to foster reconciliation between Ontario and Indigenous peoples living in Ontario:

• Worked with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and the MNO to develop the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, 2015. The legislation recognizes the MNO’s unique corporate structure within the existing provincial corporate law framework and encourages transparent, open and responsible financial arrangements between the government and the MNO.
• Signed with Mushkegowuk Council a milestone Treaty Table Memorandum of Understanding that will lead to greater economic opportunity and enable strong, sustainable and self-sufficient Mushkegowuk communities.
• Continued joint policy development work to address common First Nation Ontario priorities regarding the protection of Indigenous culture and heritage.

Ministry Organization Chart

This is a text version of an organizational chart for the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs as of April 1, 2016. The chart shows the following hierarchical structure with the top level assigned to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

• Minister
  • Deputy Minister
    • Chief Information Officer
    • Communications Services Branch
    • Legal Services Branch
    • Corporate Management Division
      • Strategic Human Resources Business Branch
      • Corporate Management Branch
        • Corporate Controllership Unit
    • Strategic Policy and Planning Division
      • Strategic Planning and Economic Policy Branch
      • Performance Measures and Data Unit
      • Strategic Initiatives Social Policy Branch
    • Aboriginal Relations and Ministry Partnerships Division
      • Aboriginal and Ministry Relationships Branch
      • Programs and Services Branch
    • Negotiations and Reconciliation Division
      • Community Initiatives Branch
      • Negotiations Branch

Download printer-friendly organizational chart (JPG)

Detailed Financial Information: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Table 2: Combined Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

*Estimates for the previous fiscal year are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2016 Ontario Budget.

Appendix: Annual Report 2015-2016

2015-16 Achievements

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs has a key role in providing advice to ministries as they develop programs, policies and initiatives that may impact Indigenous peoples. In particular, the ministry provided advice to various Ontario ministries on how to incorporate Indigenous voices in their policy development. Examples from 2015-16 include:

• Working collaboratively with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to:
  • Recommend various ways to respond to the Standing Committee’s Report on the Aggregate Resources Act could incorporate Indigenous-specific considerations;
  • Develop Far North policies;
  • Develop two Crown forest sector resource revenue sharing pilot project arrangements with local First Nations.
• Working with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to:
  • Identify opportunities to improve drinking water conditions in First Nation communities;
  • Advise on Indigenous considerations in climate change policies.
• Advising the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on how provincial planning documents could be amended to better reflect Indigenous considerations.
• Working with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines throughout the Mineral Development Strategy renewal process and highlighting the importance of meaningful Indigenous participation in the mining sector.
• Promoting the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in policy development and implementation.
• Working with the Ministry of Finance to include Indigenous procurement preferences within the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s gaming modernization plan.
• Working with Indigenous partners and land and resource ministries to ensure Indigenous communities are meaningfully involved in and sharing the benefits from natural resource development opportunities.
• Working with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to ensure that Employment and Training Services Integration considers the unique and diverse employment and training needs of Indigenous people across the province.
• Working with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that Aboriginal considerations are addressed in the development of a Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy.
• Working with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, partner ministries, Indigenous and other partners to develop a cross-government FASD strategy that will improve the experiences and outcomes for individuals affected by FASD across their lifespan.
• Supported the Minitry of Education in bilateral discussions with the Anishinabek Nation to develop the Master Education Framework Agreement, which was signed in November 2015, and continuing to work with the Ministry of Education on developing supports to improve First Nation, Métis and Inuit student outcomes.
• Continuing collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and Indigenous partners in the implementation of the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy and the review of the Child and Family Services Act.
• Continuing to work with the Community Hubs Secretariat as it moves forward in developing a community hubs model approach in Ontario.
• Supporting the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as it works to improve access to good quality housing for Indigenous people in the Province.
• Continuing to work in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on developing supports to improve Indigenous health outcomes and overall well-being.
• Supporting the implementation of the Iacobucci Report by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
• Supporting the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services as it develops the Strategy for a Safer Ontario, which includes the development of a First Nations policing framework and Community Safety and Well-Being Planning Framework.

The ministry worked collaboratively across government to strengthen the OPS Performance Measurement Framework and improve progress reporting on Ontario’s Indigenous agenda, including:

• Reaching out across government to promote the implementation of the Indigenous Self- Identification Data Standard to support a more consistent and reliable approach to Indigenous-specific data collection.
• Developing  a guide to assist ministries in implementing the Data Standard by providing further information on the benefits of voluntary Indigenous self-identification, key considerations, FAQs and an implementation checklist.
• Working collaboratively with partner ministries to lead the implementation and monitoring of an OPS-wide Performance Measurement Framework, including the collection of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Initiating a research survey to help establish baselines to measure maturity and meaningfulness of Indigenous business relationships, year over year.
• Developing the Knowledge Mobilization strategy to build a strong knowledge base to ensure Indigenous data and research have an impact on government policies and practices. This includes launching a data visualization project to translate readily available and accessible data on the Indigenous population into stories and visually compelling products to support policy submissions and increase general awareness.
• Launching a ‘proof of concept’ research project with the COO on poverty to help define and measure the lived experience of poverty in Ontario’s First Nations communities.

The ministry provided corporate policy and operational guidance and advice to ministries on meeting the Crown’s legal duty to consult when the Crown undertakes activities that may impact Indigenous and treaty rights. The ministry provided input and advice to ministries in preparing legislation and regulations.

Stronger Indigenous Relationships

Treaty Education and Public Awareness

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs began work with Indigenous partners and other ministries to begin to plan and develop a treaty education and public awareness campaign. The purpose of this activity is to identify opportunities to raise public awareness of treaties and treaty-related issues both within Indigenous communities and with the public at large. As well, the initiative can be developed to provide opportunities to increase awareness about treaties in publicly-funded schools.

Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG)

The ministry represents Ontario’s interests on the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG).

The AAWG is comprised of Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs from all provinces and territories and leaders from five National Aboriginal Organizations: the Assembly of First Nations; the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples; Inuit Tapirit Kanatami; the Métis National Council; and the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

The Aboriginal Affairs Working Group last met in Yellowknife on May 11-12, 2015 to explore opportunities and review the progress in the priority areas such as education, economic development, housing, ending violence against Indigenous women and girls, disaster mitigation and emergency management in Indigenous communities. The next meeting will be scheduled for spring 2016.

The next AAWG meeting is scheduled in Spring 2016 is a continuation of discussions and updates on the 2015 priorities of provincial and territorial leaders and National Aboriginal Organzations.

Increased Capacity

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs provided funding to support policy development and technical capacity in the COO and Provincial-Territorial Organizations, MNO and ONWA to support of joint initiatives with the ministry.

The ministry focused on building capacity in a number of ways that included organizational support (e.g. COO engagement on violence against Indigenous women and girls) and continued support for formal and informal relationship tables. In addition, COO held Leaders in the Legislature Day involving ministers and Chiefs in a series of roundtable discussions.

The ministry negotiated its future partnership with Right to Play, The Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program which will help build capacity with First Nation youth by employing and training community mentors to empower them to develop and deliver the program to the youth in 50 communities. The mentors also train others in the community to ensure that learning continues.

Improved Social Conditions

The ministry continued to work to close the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people by working with other ministries in the development of policies, programs and initiatives that address the unique needs of and provide support for Indigenous people in a range of areas, including education, health and wellness, children and youth, poverty reduction, social assistance, seniors and justice. For example, the ministry:

• Coordinated an Urban Aboriginal Policy Engagement Table to support provincial policy development with the OFIFC, MNO and ONWA.
• Supported the Ministry of Children and Youth Services in its collaborative efforts to develop an Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy, including providing policy advice relating to Indigenous control and First Nations jurisdiction over the design and delivery of provincial programs and services.
• Supported the Ministry of Education in discussions with the Anishinabek Nation to develop a Master Education Framework Agreement that would support the establishment of an Anishinabek Education system, ensure educational outcomes are improved, and to determine if results can be replicated in other parts of the province.
• Participated on the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group Education Sub-committee with provinces, territories and National Aboriginal Organizations.
• Worked with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and First Nation partners on the Trilateral First Nations Health Senior Officials Committee to address health priorities.
• Supported the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Secretariat to implement Games promotions, celebrations and legacy initiatives with Indigenous partners and to support development of an Aboriginal Community Hub.

Economic Opportunity and Sustainability

• The 2014 Budget introduced the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF), with an initial investment of $25 million over three years. The fund addresses some of the key barriers to economic development and features three funding streams:
• Economic Diversification Grants support the development and implementation of long-term economic plans, as well as other community projects that help diversify First Nations economies. More than $5.3 million has been provided to support 34 projects over three years.
• Regional Partnership Grants support regional or province-wide economic development projects that increase access to skills training and financing. Over $3 million was provided to support nine Regional Partnership Grant projects for initiatives that improve access to skills training and/or financing for Indigenous people in Ontario.
• The Business and Community Fund supports Aboriginal Financial Institutions in Ontario, which act as delivery partners for the AEDF. The ministry will provide up to $15 million over three years to six capital corporations to provide grants and loans for promising community projects as well as start-up, early stage and expansion funding for Indigenous small- and medium-sized businesses.
• The ministry continued to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses through various tools and supports, including the Ontario Business Directory. The Directory is a free, public tool with a searchable database of Indigenous-owned businesses in Ontario and information on the goods or services provided.
• The ministry supported business development and growth through the ongoing distribution and promotion of the Aboriginal Business Development Toolkit, a comprehensive resource that provides valuable information to Indigenous entrepreneurs about starting and growing their businesses.
• An evaluation of the Indigenous Procurement Pilot was completed in spring 2014. The pilot facilitated access to provincial procurement opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous communities and businesses by stimulating business opportunities and economic development, as well as promoting partnership opportunities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses. Findings from the pilot evaluation were used to inform the development of a long-term Indigenous Procurement Program in 2015-16.
• The ministry continues to provide funding for the Metis Voyageur Development Fund with $3 million, consistent with its commitment to provide up to $30 million in provincial funding over 10 years (2011-21). The fund is an independent Métis economic development corporation that uses provincial funds to support Métis entrepreneurs and businesses in the resource sector.
• The ministry worked with interested Indigenous organizations to undertake research and information-sharing to support communities’ capacity to participate in and benefit from natural resource and economic development opportunities. The ministry partnered with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business to support the 2014 Aboriginal Business Survey and the upcoming Survey of Aboriginal Community Economic Development Corporations. This research is providing new data and insights into Indigenous-owned businesses for governments, industry and communities.
• The ministry continues to work with Indigenous communities and organizations to regularly share key economic development information and resources. Examples include working with other ministries to deliver information sessions on the government’s business and economic development tools and supports, the provincial procurement process, as well as funding programs for Indigenous communities such as the New Relationship Fund and the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program.
• The ministry supported a number of economic development events, including the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association Annual Conference in Sarnia, the Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council’s annual procurement fair in Toronto, and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Conference and Showcase in Hamilton.
• Ministry support enabled the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to be the only First Nation in Ontario to complete a Business Retention and Expansion program survey. The survey supports the development of a community-based strategic economic plan for the Chippewas of Nawash and Chippewas of Saugeen First Nations.
• The ministry continued the Remote Electrification Readiness Program to provide funding to remote and rural First Nation communities for the First Nation communities benefitting from the planned electricity expansion projects in northwestern Ontario. Four projects, representing 21 First Nation communities, were funded from 2015-17 and will  support local employment and business opportunities to prepare communities for connection to the provincial electricity grid. The program ends on March 31, 2017.
• MAA worked with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to become a prescribed ministry under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993 effective September 1, 2015.

Land Claims and Reconciliation

The ministry continued to address Ontario’s outstanding legal obligations on land claims and land-related disputes with Indigenous people with the goal of achieving lasting settlements through a non-litigated negotiation process.

• Ontario signed the Final Agreement with Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation on their Treaty Land Entitlement claim.
• Ontario and Pic Mobert First Nation have signed the Final Agreement pursuant to the 1991 Land and Larger Land Base Framework Agreement and are waiting for Canada to sign.
• Ontario has continued to advance toward a resolution of the Algonquin land claim, negotiating with Canada and the Algonquins of Ontario to adopt amendments to the proposed Agreement-in-Principle based on public consultations.
  • Ontario has undertaken due diligence analysis supporting various elements of the proposed settlement, and continues to consult with stakeholders and the municipal sector regarding aspects of the Agreement-in-Principle related to their direct interests. Ontario supported the Algonquins of Ontario in the work necessary to prepare for and conduct a prescribed ratification vote.
• In 2014-15, Ontario completed the $30-million dollar remediation of the Burtch land in order to prepare to fulfill the Province’s 2006 commitment to transfer the property to the people of Six Nations.
• In 2014-15, achieved agreement to review the Mercury Disability Board and an Agreement-In-Principle regarding the Terms of Reference for the Ontario/Grassy Narrows Working Group.

The ministry continues to be committed to developing meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples based on mutual respect and co-operation.

The Ministry continued joint policy development work, initially begun under the Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Action Committee process, to address common First Nation-Ontario priorities regarding the protection of Indigenous culture and heritage.

• The ministry provided funds to the COO to support the establishment of a First Nations working group on burial and heritage issues and to participate in a Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport initiative to return human remains that have been in the possession of that ministry for some time.

The ministry continued to undertake research regarding historic Métis communities and corporate policy development regarding Indigenous peoples and related issues. Significant among these projects is a tripartite (Ontario, Canada and the MNO) joint research project into the existence of a rights-bearing Métis community that meets Powley criteria in the Mattawa-Nipissing region. This research project was completed in 2014 and the province is assessing its implications.

The ministry continued to participate in and support the work of the Mushkegowuk-Ontario Treaty Relationship Roundtable. Through this Roundtable, the Mushkegowuk Council and the ministry continue to work together to make positive, practical progress in areas where the interests of First Nations and the province overlap.

Ontario signed with Mushkegowuk Council a milestone Treaty Table Memorandum of Understanding that will lead to greater economic opportunity and enable strong, sustainable and self-sufficient Mushkegowuk communities.

The ministry continues to provide funding to the Mushkegowuk Council to support the work of the Mushkegowuk-Ontario Treaty Relationship Roundtable as well as building awareness of Treaty 9.

The ministry worked with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and the MNO to develop the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, 2015. The legislation recognizes the MNO’s unique corporate structure within the existing provincial corporate law framework and encourages transparent, open and reasonable arrangements between the government and the MNO.

• The legislation was passed in the Ontario Legislature on December 10, 2015.

Table 3: Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2014-15

* Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2016 Ontario Budget.

** Ontario Public Service Full-Time Equivalent positions