Published plans and annual reports 2015-2016: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Ministry Overview

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs was created in 2008 to develop a stronger, broader partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Ontario to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal policy and programs in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit
• set priorities for, and track the progress of, Ontario’s Aboriginal agenda
• enhance government awareness of Aboriginal people, issues and best practices for consulting and engaging with Aboriginal people
• work with the federal government to find ways to make the most of federal funding
• help Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal partners
• improving social conditions and quality of life for Aboriginal people
• increasing economic opportunity and sustainability for Aboriginal people and communities
• resolving land claim issues and working to achieve reconciliation between Aboriginal people and the Ontario government.

While other provincial ministries are responsible for delivery of most programs and services, 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 Priorities and Results

Corporate priorities for 2015-16 include:

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Initiatives:

• With Aboriginal partners, initiating a Treaty Engagement and Public Awareness Strategy.
• Working with ministries and Aboriginal partners to increase Aboriginal voices in decision-making across government and engaging the federal government in dialogue to address the funding implications of increasing Aboriginal control in program and service delivery.
• Coordinating an Urban Aboriginal Action Plan to develop strategies that reflect local needs and lead to improved socio-economic outcomes.
• Supporting initiatives that engage First Nations, Métis and Aboriginal communities on the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games to generate positive benefits for Aboriginal Peoples of Ontario, including development, following the Games, of an Aboriginal Community Hub that will help to create more economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for urban Aboriginal peoples.
• Delivering the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund, which supports Aboriginal communities, businesses and organizations through grants and improved access to financing.
• Developing new tools and resources to support Aboriginal economic and business development, including implementing Ontario’s Public Service Aboriginal Procurement Program.
• Providing ongoing support for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and business owners by updating the Aboriginal Business Development Toolkit,  developing a  new community economic development tool for Aboriginal economic development officers and communities, 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 Aboriginal peoples share in the benefits of natural resources 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.
• With the Algonquins of Ontario and the federal government, ratifying and attempting to conclude an Agreement-in-Principle on the Algonquin land claim and making progress toward a negotiated final agreement, ultimately establishing Ontario’s first modern-day treaty.
• 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.
• Participate 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.
• Co-leading the government’s response to the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women with the Ontario Women’s Directorate. This includes the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Violence Against Aboriginal Women comprised of ten other provincial ministries and five Aboriginal partner organizations.
• 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 Aboriginal women and girls, and disaster mitigation and emergency management services on reserves.
• Working with the Métis Voyageur Development Fund and the Métis Nation of Ontario to complete and consider the results of the joint independent evaluation of the Métis Voyageur Development Fund.
• Working across government to strengthen the development, collection and analysis of data, information and performance measures to help track the overall well-being of Aboriginal people in Ontario.
• Developing integrated data strategies with ministries, Aboriginal organizations, and communities to support a whole-of-government approach to Aboriginal policy issues and improve Aboriginal data collection.
• As a prescribed Ministry under the Environmental Bill of Rights as of January 2015, working across government and with Aboriginal partners to finalize a Statement of Environmental Values that will be considered when the ministry proposes policies and Acts that may have a significant effect on the environment.

Ministry Support for Initiatives Led by other Ministries:

• In partnership with Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal 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:
  • Collaborating with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and Aboriginal partners in the implementation of the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy.
  • Continuing to work with the Ministry of Education on developing supports to improve First Nations, Métis and Inuit student outcomes.
  • Supporting the implementation of the Iacobucci Report by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
  • 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.
  • Continuing to work with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the Ministry of Community and Social Services on increasing economic opportunities for Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal populations, on PRS indicators.
• Supporting ministries in meeting their Duty to Consult obligations by working with ministries to identify and resolve consultation related issues.

Ministry Programs and Activities

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

Building Stronger Aboriginal Relationships

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

• Facilitating the 10^th annual meeting between the Premier and Aboriginal leaders
• 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 Métis Nation of Ontario (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 of provincial Aboriginal organizations.
• Supporting the Assembly of First Nations and Native Women’s Association of Canada initiative for a national roundtable to end violence against Indigenous women and girls, with participation from all levels of government and National Aboriginal Organizations.
• Collaborating with First Nations and Métis communities and organizations as part of the Pan/Parapan Am Games Promotion, Celebration and Legacy Strategy to incorporate Aboriginal markers along the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario to honour the history and culture of Aboriginal communities in Ontario.
• Responding in a timely fashion to disputes and emerging issues with Aboriginal partners through alternative dispute resolution supports and provision of strategic Aboriginal relations advice.
• Continuing to provide direct funding to First Nation, Métis and Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal participation in the design and delivery of programs and services.
• Collaborating with Aboriginal partners and provincial ministries on a Treaty Education and Public Awareness Campaign to identify opportunities to raise awareness of treaties and treaty-related issues and also increase public knowledge of Métis in Ontario’s history.

Improving Social Conditions

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

• Supporting the Ministry of Children and Youth Services’ continued engagement with Aboriginal partners as it works to implement the Aboriginal Children and Youth Strategy, aimed at improving outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit children and youth on- and off-reserve.
• Working with the Ministry of Education to improve education outcomes for Aboriginal students, to increase support for First Nations students and facilitate successful transitions between First Nations schools and the provincially funded education system.
• Continuing to support the Ministry of Education in bilateral discussions with the Anishinabek on the establishment and implementation of an Anishinabek Education System.
• Supporting the work of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group on Aboriginal education:
  • Calling for a First Ministers’ Meeting on Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal organizations.
• Actively engaging with Aboriginal partners through a Joint Working Group comprised of five key Aboriginal partners and 10 provincial ministries to develop a National Framework for co-ordinating action to end violence against Aboriginal women and girls.
• Working with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Ontario Native Women’s Association through the Urban Aboriginal Policy Engagement Table to develop an Urban Aboriginal Action Plan.
• Supporting management of Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal businesses benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and communities, as well as Ontario. The ministry supports economic growth and sustainable Aboriginal economies by:

• Funding high-potential Aboriginal 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 Métis Voyageur Development Fund.
• Continuing to work across government and Aboriginal partners to ensure that Aboriginal peoples share in the benefits of natural resources 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 Aboriginal industry and government partnerships, development of Aboriginal businesses and Aboriginal community economic infrastructure.
• Supporting Aboriginal business development through the Ontario Public Service Aboriginal Procurement Program that builds on the Aboriginal procurement pilot.
• Working with Aboriginal communities and organizations to regularly share key economic development information and resources, and supporting Aboriginal economic development events, including workshops and conferences.
• Working across government to develop new tools to coordinate, track and report on Aboriginal economic development and skills training supports and to expand the menu of Aboriginal business and community economic development supports and resources.
• Collaborating with other ministries to develop and implement key policy initiatives impacting Aboriginal people and ensuring that these initiatives support Aboriginal economic development. Initiatives include the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009, Mining Act modernization, Far North Land Use Planning, Climate Change, First Nation drinking water improvements, the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, the Forest Tenure Modernization Act, 2011, broadband connectivity, the Pan/Parapan Am Games Promotion, Celebration and Legacy Strategy and the Aboriginal Community Hub.
• 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.
• Redesigning the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program and piloting new capital projects in 2015-16 under the revised program.
• 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 Aboriginal communities and organizations that are building their capacity to engage in economic development activities.
• Administering the newly launched 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 Aboriginal people with the goal of achieving lasting settlements through a non-litigated negotiation process and fostering reconciliation between the provincial government and Aboriginal people living in Ontario.

Some of the land claim and land-related activities that will continue in 2015-16 include:

• Working with over 55 First Nations on 66 active land claims in research, negotiations, and implementation of final settlement agreements resolving historic land claim issues.
• Working with six 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 frame a settlement that will address the issues raised by the Algonquin land claim.
• Working with Six Nations Farmers Association to allow farming on the Burtch property in 2015 as well as working with the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) to 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 Aboriginal and treaty rights.
• Working to identify historic Métis communities capable of bearing Section 35 rights.

Ministry Allocation of 2015-16 Base Spending ($74.5 million) by Standard Account

Ministry Allocation of 2015-16 Base Spending ($74.5 million) by Vote and Item

Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2015-16

Highlights of 2014-2015 Achievements

The following section notes the highlights of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs’ work in the 2014-15 fiscal year.

Stronger Aboriginal Relationships

• Facilitated the Ontario Aboriginal leaders’ 9^th annual meeting with the Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs in November 2014. In addition, Chiefs of Ontario held Leaders in the Legislature Day involving ministers and Chiefs in a series of roundtable discussions.
• Participated in the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG) to discuss key joint priorities with other Provinces and Territories and National Aboriginal Organizations.
• Worked with Aboriginal 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 Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres to support joint policy development and research.
• Funded policy capacity within the Aboriginal Political Territorial Organizations to support policy development in areas of common concern (e.g., protection of Aboriginal 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.
• Partnered with Aboriginal organizations as part of formal and informal relationship tables, including Grand Council Treaty #3, Métis Nation of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
• Worked with Cabinet Office, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Ontario Women’s Directorate and key national and provincial Aboriginal partners to coordinate Ontario’s input into the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
• Continued to partner with Right to Play to build the capacity of First Nations youth through the Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program.
• 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.

Improved Social Conditions

• Continued to work through the Urban Aboriginal Policy Engagement Table with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Ontario Native Women’s Association to inform provincial program and policy development related to Aboriginal people living off-reserve.
• Partnered with the urban Aboriginal communities in North Bay and Barrie as demonstration sites for community development initiatives that reflect local needs and interests.
• Worked with other ministries in the development of policy options aimed at meeting the unique needs of Aboriginal people and ensuring Aboriginal perspectives and considerations are included.
• Supported the implementation of the Iacobucci Report on Aboriginal justice by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
• Supported the Ministry of Education in preliminary discussions with the Anishinabek Nation to develop a Master Education Framework Agreement that would support the establishment of an Anishinabek Education system.
• Co-led a Joint Working Group with five Aboriginal and ten ministry partners to develop a national framework for co-ordinating action to end violence against Aboriginal women and girls. The Framework was endorsed by Premiers at the August 2014 Premiers-National Aboriginal Leaders meeting.
• Chaired the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group Education sub-committee with provinces, territories and National Aboriginal Organizations.
• Provided support to Right to Play to deliver programming to Aboriginal children and youth in 46 First Nations communities and 8 urban Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal 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

• Launched the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF)
  • Approved more than $2.7 million to support 23 Economic Diversification Grant projects over three years for initiatives that broaden economic activity, create jobs and provide training opportunities.
  • Approved $15 million over three years to support six Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal businesses and community projects.
• Completed an evaluation of the Aboriginal Procurement Pilot initiative, which informed the development of the long term Aboriginal Procurement Program in 2015-16. The pilot helped to improve capacity and access to government procurement opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.
• Provided $3 million to the Métis 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; to be released in spring 2015.
• Six capital projects were funded in 2013-14 under the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program and completed in 2014-15.
• Provided organizational support and community funding, including Aboriginal organizations that partner with Ontario as part of formal and informal relationship tables, as well as Aboriginal communities that partner with Ontario on specific initiatives including training.
• Through the New Relationship Fund, the ministry invested $14.5 million to support:
  • 103 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.
  • 30 new Enhanced Capacity Building projects supporting stronger, more prosperous Aboriginal organizations and communities in Ontario.
• Six projects, representing 18 remote First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario, were in funded in 2014-15 under the Remote Electrification Readiness Program. These projects support local employment and business opportunities. Funding continues in 2015-16.
• MAA worked with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to become a prescribed ministry in January 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 Aboriginal people with the goal of achieving lasting settlements through negotiations.

• 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.
• The Algonquin land claim negotiating parties have continued to work towards an Agreement-in-Principle that includes amendments made as a result of consultations on the Preliminary Draft Agreement-in-Principle that was made public in December 2012.
• Progress continues 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.
• The ministry began working 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.
• The ministry 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 Aboriginal peoples living in Ontario:

• The ministry worked to identify historic Métis communities to support a whole-of-government approach. On December 10, 2014, a historical research report commissioned by Ontario, Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario was released, providing a substantial amount of historical evidence about people of mixed ancestry in and around Mattawa.
• In April 2014, Mushkegowuk Council and the ministry agreed to try and formalize the established Mushkegowuk-Ontario Treaty Relationship Roundtable through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU has been drafted and multiple ministries have been engaged.
• The ministry continued joint policy development work to address common First Nation Ontario priorities regarding the protection of Aboriginal 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, 2015. 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 2015 Ontario Budget.

For additional financial information, see:

The Budget Expenditure Estimates

The Public Accounts of Ontario

The Ontario Budget

Appendix: Annual Report 2014-2015

2014-15 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 Aboriginal peoples. In particular, the ministry provided advice to various Ontario ministries on how to incorporate Aboriginal considerations in their policy development. Examples from 2014-15 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 Aboriginal-specific considerations;
  • Develop Far North policies;
  • Recommend additions and revisions to the proposed Invasive Species Act to better reflect First Nations and Métis interests;
  • Ensure that the Forest Fire Management Strategy provides opportunities for First Nations and Métis to participate in decision-making processes regarding how a forest fire is managed;
  • Develop 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 Aboriginal considerations in climate change policies;
• Advising the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on how the Provincial Policy Statement and the Planning Act could be amended to better reflect Aboriginal considerations;
• Advising the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport regarding relationship building opportunities with Aboriginal people presented by legislation and policies related to trails.
• Promoting the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in policy development and implementation;
• Working with the Ministry of Finance to include Aboriginal procurement preferences within the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s gaming modernization plan;
• Working with Aboriginal partners and land and resource ministries to ensure Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal people across the province.

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

• OPS-wide outreach to promote the implementation of the Aboriginal Self- Identification Data Standard to support a more consistent and reliable approach to Aboriginal-specific data collection.
• Developing a guide to assist ministries in implementing the Data Standard by providing further information on the benefits of voluntary Aboriginal 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.
• Initiated a research survey to help establish baselines to measure maturity and meaningfulness of Aboriginal business relationships, year over year.

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 Aboriginal and treaty rights. The ministry provided input and advice to ministries in preparing legislation and regulations.

Stronger Aboriginal Relationships

Treaty Education and Public Awareness

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs began work with Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal communities and with the public at large. As well, the initiative can be developed to provide opportunities to increase awareness about treaties in provincial schools.

An initial step toward raising awareness was development of a map of treaties in Ontario for distribution to all elementary and secondary public schools in the province. Information was also developed to help teachers build activities and lessons around the map.

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.

At the AAWG meeting in the spring of 2014, items discussed included education, economic development, housing, ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls, emergency management and child welfare.

Increased Capacity

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs provided funding to support policy development and technical capacity in the Chiefs of Ontario and Provincial-Territorial Organizations, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Ontario Native Women’s Association 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. Chiefs of Ontario engagement on violence against Indigenous women and girls) and continued support for formal and informal relationship tables. In addition, Chiefs of Ontario 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 46 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 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people by working with other ministries in the development of policies, programs and initiatives that address the unique needs of and provide support for Aboriginal people in a range of areas, including education, health and wellness, children and youth, poverty reduction, food security, social assistance, seniors and justice. For example, the ministry:

• Established an Urban Aboriginal Policy Engagement Table to support provincial policy development with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Ontario Native Women’s Association.
• 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 Aboriginal control and First Nations jurisdiction over the design and delivery of provincial programs and services.
• Supported the Ministry of Education in preliminary 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.
• Actively engaged with Aboriginal partners and other provincial ministries through a Joint Working Group to develop a National Framework for co-ordinating action to end violence against Aboriginal women and girls.
• Worked with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and First Nation partners on the Trilateral First Nations Health Senior Officials Committee.
• Continued to work with the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Secretariat to implement Games promotions, celebrations and legacy initiatives with Aboriginal partners and to support development of an Aboriginal Community Hub.
• Continued to work with the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Secretariat to implement Games promotions, celebrations and legacy initiatives with Aboriginal partners and supporting Aboriginal Health Toronto’s engagement of urban Aboriginal organizations on development of an Aboriginal Community Hub.

Economic Opportunity and Sustainability

• The 2014 Budget introduced a new Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF), with an investment of $25 million over three years. The Fund is beginning to address some of the key barriers to economic development. The AEDF 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 $2.7 million was provided in 2014-15 to support 23 projects over three years.
  • Regional Partnership Grants support regional or province-wide economic development projects that increase access to skills training and financing.
  • The Business and Community Fund supports Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) in Ontario, which act as delivery partners for the AEDF. Up to $15 million over three years will be provided to six capital corporations to provide grants and loans for promising community projects as well as start-up, early stage and expansion funding for Aboriginal small- and medium-sized businesses.
• The ministry continued to support Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal-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 Aboriginal entrepreneurs about starting and growing their businesses.
• An evaluation of the Aboriginal procurement pilot initiative was completed in spring 2014. The pilot facilitated access to provincial procurement opportunities for Aboriginal-owned businesses and Aboriginal communities and businesses by stimulating business opportunities and economic development, as well as promoting partnership opportunities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses. Findings from the pilot evaluation will inform the development of a longer-term program in 2015-16.
• The ministry continues to provide funding for the Métis 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 which uses provincial funds to support Métis entrepreneurs and businesses in the resource sector on an application basis.
• The ministry worked with interested Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal Business to support the 2014 Aboriginal Business Survey and the upcoming 2015 Survey of Aboriginal Community Economic Development Corporations. This research is providing new data and insights into Aboriginal-owned businesses for governments, industry and communities.
• The ministry worked with Aboriginal communities and organizations to regularly share key economic development information and resources. Examples include working with other provincial ministries to deliver information sessions on the government’s business and economic development tools and supports, the provincial procurement process, and funding programs for Aboriginal 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, 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 introduced 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.
• MAA worked with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to become a prescribed ministry 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 Aboriginal 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 is supporting 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 Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal culture and heritage.

• The ministry provided funds to the Chiefs of Ontario 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 Aboriginal peoples and related issues. Significant among these projects is a tripartite (Ontario, Canada and Métis Nation of Ontario) 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.

• On December 10, 2014, a historical research report commissioned by Ontario, Canada and the Metis Nation of Ontario was released, providing a substantial amount of historical evidence about people of mixed ancestry in and around Mattawa.

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.

• In April 2014, Mushkegowuk Council and the ministry agreed to try and formalize the established Mushkegowuk-Ontario Treaty Relationship Roundtable through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU has been drafted and multiple ministries have been engaged.
• 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.

Table 3: Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2014-15*

* Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

** Ontario Public Service Full-Time Equivalent positions