2001-2002 Business Plan
Contents:
- Message from the Minister
- Ministry Vision
- Core Businesses
- Annual Report on Key Achievements for 2000-2001
- Key Commitments and Strategies for 2001-2002
- Key Performance Measures
- 2000-2001 Ministry Spending by Core Business - Interim Actuals
- 2001-2002 Ministry Approved Allocations by Core Business Plan
- Who to Call
Hon. David Young
This Business Plan is the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat's (ONAS) report to the
public. It outlines last year's achievements and establishes the targets to measure future
results. Our Premier, the Honourable Mike Harris, has issued a challenge to strengthen the
economy, create jobs and ensure Ontario's growth and prosperity. ONAS is meeting the
challenge with its Building Aboriginal Economies strategy.
One of my first actions as Minister was to meet Aboriginal leaders and key corporate partners at a ceremony hosted by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Shortly thereafter, I participated in the celebration of the official creation of the Webequie First Nation Reserve, 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. In May, at the Federal, Provincial and Territorial meeting of Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Leaders, I had the opportunity to discuss strengthening Aboriginal participation in the economy by supporting partnership development and job creation. In addition, the Ministers and Leaders also committed to a national Aboriginal Youth Conference to be held in Edmonton in October, 2001.
In November 2000, celebrations marking the first annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award recognized the partners who established the Wabigoon Anishnaabe Gitigewin Inc. Tree Nursery. Also in the fall, in partnership with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, the first Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Scholarships were awarded to four Aboriginal students.
Although there are many challenges ahead, there are also opportunities to maximize Aboriginal participation in the economy. Our goal is to continue to work constructively in partnership with Aboriginal communities, the corporate sector, and other governments in promoting economic capacity and settling land claims throughout the province. I am committed to the strategies and approaches that will continue to strengthen Aboriginal economies this coming business year and over the long-term.
The Honourable David Young
Attorney General
Minister Responsible for Native Affairs
The Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat looks to a future where:
- Aboriginal communities have stronger economies and are more self-reliant;
- relations between Aboriginal people and their neighbours are prosperous and mutually beneficial.
The Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat's vision reflects the goals of the government's Aboriginal Policy Framework, announced in March 1996. The Framework sets out Ontario's approach to Aboriginal affairs. It guides the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat in delivering its core businesses, and provides direction for all ministries in addressing Aboriginal matters within their legislative and policy mandates.
The Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat:
conducts land claim negotiations on behalf of the province; implements land claim settlements to remove barriers to investment in order to enhance economic opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities; and represents the interests of the province in self-government negotiations between Canada and First Nations;
works and partners with Aboriginal businesses and organizations, corporate Ontario, the private sector, provincial ministries and the federal government to promote Aboriginal self-reliance and economic development; and
develops provincial policy and works with other ministries to coordinate the government's overall approach to Aboriginal matters, and maintains relations with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations such as Friendship Centres, the federal government, stakeholders and the public.
Negotiations
The Ontario government is implementing the four agreements it successfully completed in the year 2000, with the following First Nations: Assabaska (100 km south of Kenora); Big Grassy (100 km south of Kenora); Cat Lake (150 km north of Sioux Lookout); and Thessalon (80 km east of Sault Ste. Marie).
There were more than 100 consultations held with affected parties, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, related to land issues. The secretariat held open houses and round table meetings that included a wide range of stakeholders.
There are 20 land claim and other land-related negotiations currently ongoing. In 2000, three new claims were accepted for negotiation: the Chapleau Cree claim, the Missanabie Cree claim and the Fort William claim.
In 2000, the secretariat negotiated a Framework Agreement with the Temagami First Nation and the Teme-Augama Anishnabai about their land claim. Approximately 43 claims are in the pre-negotiations stage where they are under historical, legal and policy reviews.
Fact sheets about land claims are posted on the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat website.
Aboriginal Economic Development
The secretariat continues to partner with Aboriginal businesses, organizations, and communities, corporate Ontario, provincial ministries and the federal government to deliver the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy and implement the Working Partnerships program.
The government's Building Aboriginal Economies strategy is a coordinated framework of more than 35 programs and services across 11 provincial government ministries. The strategy supports Aboriginal economic development and capacity building.
Its goal is to increase capacity and opportunities in Aboriginal communities in order to promote self-reliance, enhance job opportunities and spur economic growth and investment. The Working Partnerships program fosters corporate-Aboriginal partnerships in Ontario. The Working Partnerships initiative provides funding for Aboriginal economic development organizations across Ontario to hire Partnership Development Advisors (PDAs). The PDAs provide partnership development advice across Ontario.
The Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Program provides investments to First Nation communities, a range of community-based Aboriginal non-profit organizations and Métis Nation of Ontario Charter communities. The program is delivered by an Aboriginal organization selected through a tendering process. In the year 2000-2001, 48 projects were funded through the Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Program for a total investment of $1,440,927, including three business development projects: one by the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association for $50,000; another at the Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre for $50,000; and a third at Couchiching First Nation for $50,000. In addition, an economic capacity building project at the Ontario Native Business Parks Association was funded for $25,000.
ONAS partners with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation to deliver two annual award programs. The Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Scholarship is a $100,000 endowment. Four students received the first scholarship awards in the year 2000. The Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award, which was presented for the first time in November 2000, recognizes successful partnership ventures consistent with the goals and principles of the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy. For more information on economic development initiatives visit: Aboriginal Business Development Online.
Aboriginal-Federal Relations
ONAS promotes a consistent and integrated approach to Ontario's relationship with Aboriginal communities in the province, both on- and off-reserve, by continuing to provide advice and guidance to other provincial ministries concerning Aboriginal organizations and issues.
In December 1999, the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs participated at a meeting in Ottawa of National Aboriginal Leaders and Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. Further to direction from the participating Ministers and Leaders, a working group with representatives from a number of provinces, the federal government and national Aboriginal organizations was established to develop a draft paper on Strengthening Aboriginal Participation in the Economy. At the follow-up meeting in May 2001, Ministers and Leaders endorsed the report on strengthening Aboriginal participation in the economy. The report makes recommendations on ways for governments, Aboriginal communities, organizations and the private sector to work cooperatively to maximize the involvement of Aboriginal peoples in Canada's economy. The upcoming National Aboriginal Youth Conference set for Fall 2001 was also discussed.
Throughout the year, the Minister Responsible for Native Affairs and the Secretary for Native Affairs met with First Nation leaders and representatives of major Aboriginal organizations and visited 30 Aboriginal communities and organizations across the province.
Negotiations
In 2001-2002, the secretariat will pursue land claim settlements that include economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people, and bring closure and certainty to land and legal issues.
In working to fulfil government commitments outlined in the Blueprint document, the secretariat will make significant progress in advancing land claims with a high potential for successful and lasting settlements. This may include progress in the negotiation of claims or the completion of historical and legal reviews, the initiation of new negotiations or the closing of files. The secretariat will move forward on a number of claims currently at the research and review stage.
The secretariat will also continue the government's strong commitment to public involvement in land claim negotiations and ensure the process continues to be inclusive and accountable and addresses the interests of those affected by the claims.
The secretariat will continue to represent the province's interests as required in self-government negotiations between Canada and First Nations.
Aboriginal Economic Development
In working toward its vision of greater self-reliance for Aboriginal communities and in accordance with the government's jobs agenda, the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat will continue to manage the coordination and implementation of the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy and deliver its key programs, including Working Partnerships, the Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Program, and the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program.
The strategy, which builds on the government's Aboriginal Policy Framework, enhances Aboriginal capacity to participate in Ontario's economy. The secretariat will continue to work with ministries to improve their data collection for reporting results of the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy.
To improve service, the Aboriginal Development Unit, formerly of the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, has been integrated into the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat and renamed the Business and Economic Development Unit. The unit is responsible for the Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Program, Working Partnerships and the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program.
The Working Partnerships program focusses on the promotion of economic partnerships. Capacity will be built through innovative approaches to breaking down barriers by the Partnership Development Advisors initiative. These advisors in Aboriginal economic development organizations are working together to build relationships among Aboriginal communities and businesses, and with the corporate sector. ONAS will continue to seek out new opportunities to facilitate the sharing of business expertise and foster partnerships.
ONAS will also administer the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program through an alternative service delivery arrangement. This will further enhance economic development programming and services capacity in Aboriginal communities.
The secretariat, in conjunction with its business partners, will also continue to sponsor regional and sectoral partnership forums and workshops. The Working Partnerships Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from the Aboriginal and corporate communities, will support these economic initiatives.
Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination
To promote constructive dialogue, the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat will continue to hold regular meetings of Ontario ministers and officials with Aboriginal leaders. It will also maintain effective working relations with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations.
Following the December 1999 meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Leaders in Ottawa, a second meeting was held in Winnipeg on May 11, 2001. At this meeting the Ministers and Leaders endorsed a report on strengthening Aboriginal participation in the economy and agreed to meet regularly to review and implement the work supporting partnership development and long-term job creation. Developing opportunities for Aboriginal youth was also discussed in preparation for the National Youth Conference in October 2001.
The secretariat will continue to encourage the federal government to fulfil its responsibilities, including its fiscal responsibilities for Aboriginal matters, where appropriate.
| Core Business: Negotiations | |||
| Goals / Outcomes | Measures | Targets / Standards | 2001-2002 Commitments |
|---|---|---|---|
| The interests of those affected by land claims are identified and addressed | Key stakeholders identified, informed and involved | 100% target | Identify key stakeholders, inform and involve 100% |
| The government's outstanding obligations with regard to land claims are met | Negotiate land claims to address Ontario's obligations | Number of claims with substantial progress | Substantial progress toward settling seven land claims |
| Core Business: Aboriginal Economic Development | |||
| Goals / Outcomes | Measures | Targets / Standards | 2001-2002 Commitments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Aboriginal Economies programs are readily accessible by Aboriginal businesses and communities | Demonstrated access by Aboriginal people to ministry programs | Benchmark data to be developed in order to establish standards | Continue to work with ministries to measure access and where feasible, implement improvements in data collection |
| Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat |
|---|
|
Operating $18.0 million Capital $5.4 million 55 staff |
|
Negotiations |
Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination |
|---|---|
|
Operating $6.1 million 19 staff |
Operating $6.6 million 16 staff |
| Aboriginal Economic Development | Ministry Administration |
|---|---|
|
Operating $4.0 million Capital $5.4 million 9 staff |
Operating $1.3 million 11 staff |
Note: Staff numbers are shown as full-time equivalents.
*PSAB based
| Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat |
|---|
|
Operating $15.1 million Capital $7.4 million 60 staff |
|
Negotiations |
Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination |
Operating $6.1 million 19.5 staff |
Operating $3.0 million 18 staff |
|---|
| Aboriginal Economic Development | Ministry Administration |
|---|---|
|
Operating $4.5 million Capital $7.4 million 10.5 staff |
Operating $1.5 million 12 staff |
Note: Staff numbers are shown as full-time equivalents.
*PSAB based
Questions or comments about the secretariat's business plan are welcomed. Visit our websites at http://www.nativeaffairs.jus.gov.on.ca and http://www.aboriginalbusiness.on.ca or contact:
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
4th Floor, 720 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K1
Reception: 416-326-4740
Fax: 416-326-4017
The Honourable David Young
Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs
Phone: 416-326-4000
Fax: 416-326-4016
Minister's Communications Advisor
Rui Francisco Brum
Phone: 416-326-4440
Fax: 416-326-4016
Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Secretary for Native Affairs
Robert Ratcliffe
Phone: 416-326-4741
Fax: 416-326-4017
Negotiations
Doug Carr
Phone: 416-326-4771
Fax: 416-326-4017
Aboriginal/Federal Relations
Dan Gaspé
Phone: 416-326-4756
Fax: 416-326-4017
Legal Services
David Carson
Phone: 416-326-2372
Fax: 416-326-4017
Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination
Tim Eger
Phone: 416-326-4744
Fax: 416-326-4017
Business & Economic Development
Donna Elliott
Phone: 416-314-6780
Fax: 416-314-7428
Communications
Rosemary Sampson
Phone: 416-326-4780
Fax: 416-326-4779
Copies of this document are available free from: Publications Ontario,
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© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2001
ISBN 0-7794-1136-6
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