June 25, 2007 - On June 22, 2007, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced the creation of a Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, and current Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay, was sworn in as the first Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

"First Nations in Ontario welcome the creation of a stand alone Ministry, with its own Minister and Deputy Minister. This move will raise the profile of First Nations issues within government, and will ensure that First Nations have a dedicated voice at the Cabinet table" said Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse. Prior to the creation of the separate Ministry, Aboriginal issues were housed within a Secretariat within the Ministry of Natural Resources. Chief Toulouse explained that First Nations view the mandate of the Minister of Natural Resources as often in conflict with the priorities of First Nations, and that the Secretariat had limited resources, and limited influence within government.

The creation of a Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, with a dedicated Minister and Deputy Minister was recommended in the Final Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry released on May 31, 2007. The Ipperwash Inquiry Final Report recognized that "the complexity and importance of Aboriginal issues has outgrown the institutional arrangements dedicated to them within the provincial government" and that creating a new Ministry would "go a long way toward ensuring that Aboriginal issues receive the priority and focus they deserve".

• to work with the federal government on a new process that would expedite land claims here in Ontario;
• launch a New Relationship Fund, which will help Aboriginal communities strengthen their skills and resources to work more seamlessly with governments; and,
• work toward resolving the future use of Ipperwash Park by the end of the year.

"This announcement marks a positive step forward. It will be important to ensure that the two Ministries' are indeed separate with two separate Ministers and separate budgets. I do believe that this will occur in the short term. It will also be critical for the province to work collaboratively with First Nations in developing plans and priorities into the future, including the implementation of further recommendations of the Ipperwash Inquiry" stated Regional Chief Toulouse.

For more information, please contact:

Pam Hunter, Policy Advisor
Office: (416) 597-1266
Mobile: (613) 203-3233