2002-2003 Business Plan

Contents:

• Message from the Minister
• Ministry Vision
• Core Businesses
• Annual Report on Key Achievements for 2001-2002
• Key Commitments and Strategies for 2002-2003
• Key Performance Measures
• 2001-2002 Ministry Spending by Core Business - Interim Actuals
• 2002-2003 Ministry Approved Allocations by Core Business Plan
• Who to Call

This Business Plan is the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat's (ONAS) report to the public. It outlines our achievements over the past year and the targets by which we will measure future results.

I have met with and listened to representatives of First Nations, Inuit, off-reserve Aboriginal and Métis organizations, Friendship Centres, Aboriginal women and youth across Ontario. We have a common goal to work together to resolve issues of shared concern. At a January 2002 meeting of Ontario ministers and Ontario First Nations leaders, a letter-of-intent was signed to establish regular meetings between Ontario ministers and First Nation leaders to promote regular dialogue.

The Eves government strongly supports the efforts of Aboriginal communities across Ontario to build dynamic local economies, attract investment and create more and better jobs. In May 2001, at the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Leaders (FPTA), we endorsed a report to strengthen Aboriginal participation in the economy by supporting partnership development and job creation. Planning is under way for a 2003 National Business Summit. Ontario will be co-hosting the summit with our private sector, Aboriginal and federal partners.

In November 2001, celebrations marking the second annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award recognized the partnership of Six Nations Natural Gas Company Limited and Union Gas Limited. This partnership has provided economic benefits and expertise to the First Nation and opened up a new partnership for Union Gas.

Ontario continues to use its economic strength to help create a better quality of life for all people living in the province. We are working to further strengthen the economy and build a brighter future under the leadership of our new Premier, Ernie Eves.

The Honourable David Young
Attorney General
Minister Responsible for Native Affairs

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The Ministry looks to a future where:

• Aboriginal communities have stronger economies and are more self-reliant;
• there is a balance and stability in relations between Aboriginal people and other residents of Ontario.

The secretariat's vision reflects the goal of the Aboriginal Policy Framework which sets out Ontario's approach to Aboriginal matters within its legislative and policy mandates. It also guides the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat in delivering its core businesses: land claim and self-government negotiations, Aboriginal economic development and corporate co-ordination of Aboriginal affairs across the government.

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The Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat:

• where supported by a legal and historical basis, 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 Ontario 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 co-ordinate the government's overall approach to Aboriginal matters; works to enhance relations with First Nations, Métis organizations, Inuit and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations such as Friendship Centres, the federal government, stakeholders and the public.

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Negotiations

The Ontario government made significant progress on 10 land claims and negotiations. A final settlement agreement has been signed with the Sand Point First Nation, which facilitates Canada's creation of a reserve. Also, a final settlement agreement was initialed by the First Nation, Canada and Ontario in the Wahta Land Claim. Two Agreements-in-Principle were signed with the Lake Nipigon Ojibway First Nation and the Pic Mobert First Nation. The negotiators for the Temagami First Nation, the Teme-Augama Anishnabai and Ontario developed a settlement model on the historical Temagami claim.

The settlement of land claims enhances economic opportunities for both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities bringing closure and certainty to land and legal issues.

There are 21 land claims and other land-related negotiations currently ongoing. Approximately 46 claims are in the pre-negotiation stage, where they are under historical, legal and policy reviews. Settlement agreements for the five First Nations of Assabaska, Big Grassy, Thessalon, Nipissing and Manitoulin are in the implementation stage.

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 (BAE) strategy and implement the Working Partnerships program. The strategy is a co-ordinated framework encompassing more than 35 programs and services across 11 government ministries.

In November 2001, Ontario launched a new resource kit, "The Power of Partnerships: New Opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples and Ontario Businesses." The resource kit is in response to requests from both the Aboriginal and corporate communities for a simple how-to-guide to partnership.

During the past fiscal year, Building Aboriginal Economies assisted in the development of an estimated 4,500 jobs, expansion or creation of 216 partnerships / businesses; and enrolment in, or completion of, post-secondary education and training programs by more than 12,000 Aboriginal people.

In 2001-2002, 48 projects were funded through the Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Program for a total investment of $1,226,067 including 12 business development projects, 17 organizational development projects and 19 economic capacity building projects. The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program (ACCGP) funds community facilities that provide a delivery point for community services and business activity. Four ACCGP projects were completed in 2001.

ONAS partners with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation to deliver two annual award programs. The first, the Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Scholarship is a $100,000 endowment. Three students received scholarship awards in 2001. The second annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award was presented in November 2001 to the partnership between Six Nations Natural Gas Company Limited and Union Gas Company Limited.

Aboriginal-Federal Relations

In May 2001, the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, the National Aboriginal Leaders and the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Native Affairs (FPTA) endorsed a draft report, Strengthening Aboriginal Participation in the Economy, to maximize the involvement of Aboriginal peoples in Canada's economy. In December 2001, the Ministers and Leaders directed officials to continue the implementation of the Report, with a focus on women and youth.

Throughout the year, the Minister Responsible for Native Affairs met with First Nation leaders and representatives of the major Aboriginal organizations and communities and visited Aboriginal communities and organizations across the province.

In January 2002, Ontario and Ontario First Nations Leaders signed a letter-of-intent to establish regular meetings between Ontario ministers and First Nation leaders to promote ongoing dialogue and to resolve issues of shared concern.

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Negotiations

In 2002-2003, 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 the government commitment to listen, consult and take action to build a stronger province, 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 to implement the government's 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 an improved quality of life for all the people of the province, Ontario will continue to manage 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 enhances Aboriginal capacity to participate in Ontario's economy. The secretariat will continue to partner with Aboriginal economic development organizations, including the Aboriginal Economic Renewal Initiative, corporate Ontario and private sector businesses, provincial ministries and the federal government to promote and support Aboriginal business and facilitate partnerships and economic development.

The Working Partnerships program will continue to be focused on the promotion of economic partnerships.

The Partnership Development Advisors initiative will continue to build capacity through innovative approaches to breaking down barriers and facilitating partnerships. These advisors, working in Aboriginal economic development organizations, strive to build relationships among Aboriginal communities and businesses and with the corporate sector. ONAS will continue to seek new opportunities to facilitate the sharing of business expertise and foster partnerships.

ONAS will also administer the Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Program and the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program through alternative service delivery arrangements. This will further enhance economic program development in Aboriginal communities.

The secretariat, in conjunction with its business partners and including the Aboriginal Economic Renewal Initiative, will also continue to sponsor regional and sectoral forums and workshops that lead to the development of partnerships. Topics will include human resources development, international trade and women and business.

In addition, the secretariat is committed to providing modern and efficient service delivery and value for money for the public. The secretariat encourages quality-focused approaches to service and program delivery.

Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Co-ordination

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 work to strengthen relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations, Friendship Centres, Aboriginal women and youth.

In December 2001, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Leaders (FPTA) directed officials to plan a FPTA National Business Summit for 2003. Ontario will co-host the summit with Canada, a national Aboriginal organization and a private sector representative in Toronto.

The secretariat will continue to encourage the federal government to fulfil its responsibilities, including its fiscal responsibilities for Aboriginal matters, where appropriate.

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Core Business: Negotiations

1. # land claims on which there was significant progress as a % of the long-term commitment of 21 claims

Progress in Land Claim Negotiations 01-02 result is projected (data not available for 1998-99) What does the graph show? The graph shows progress made cumulatively by year as measured by land claims that have achieved significant progress (through at least 1 of the 15 milestones in the claims process) as a percentage of the long-term commitments. Steps in the negotiation process include: research of the claim and its merits; legal review of the legitimacy of the claim; acceptance for negotiation; negotiations; agreement-in-principle; final agreement; and implementation. The graph does not show progress made on the other negotiations in which ONAS is presently engaged. Seven of the claims presently in negotiation are expected to achieve significant progress in 2002-2003, subject to the co-operation of all parties in the negotiations. Secretariat Contribution ONAS continues to implement the strategies developed to manage Ontario's involvement in land claim negotiations. It remains committed to completing negotiations on the claims presently under negotiation and implementing the agreements already reached on other claims. Negotiations are primarily tripartite negotiations involving the federal government and First Nations. Other government ministries are involved as well. 2002-2003 Commitments Significant progress toward settling 7 land claims and demonstrated progress on the implementation of settled claims. Progress can be measured by achievement of milestones toward settlement or closure of the file. Long-term Target Demonstrated progress in resolving the 21 land claims under active negotiation with the long-term goal of achieving a final settlement, withdrawal of the claim or ceasing negotiations. Of the long-term commitment to negotiate 21 land claims, 5 have been settled and implemented, 3 agreements-in-principle have been reached, and 1 has been closed. Expectations for performance in negotiating land claims in 2002-2003 and subsequent years are reasonably positive. However, progress on land claims negotiations is not solely the responsibility of ONAS; the secretariat also relies on the co-operation of the federal government and First Nations.

Core Business: Aboriginal Economic Development

2. # Aboriginal people pursuing training or post secondary education as a % of total Aboriginal population of working age

Increased Aboriginal Education and Training (data not available for 1998-99) What does the graph show? The number of Aboriginal people of working age reported to be enrolled in literacy, apprenticeship and job training programs increased from 7,300 (8 %) to 12,000 (13 %). With continuing data challenges and estimates, however, the increase is not necessarily a trend. Ministries collect their own data based on agreed-upon generic strategy measures. The data are summarized and provided to ONAS, which has the responsibility for collating all data reported from BAE partner ministries. The 1996 census data were used to determine the total # of Aboriginal people of working age (between the ages of 15 and 64) in Ontario, i.e., 92,270 of a total Aboriginal population of 141,520. Secretariat and BAE Partner Ministry Contribution ONAS has responsibility for co-ordination of the BAE strategy and reporting of the overall strategy results and provides support to partner ministries in their collecting and reporting of BAE results. The training and education results include those from the Ministries of Community, Family and Children's Services (CFCS), Natural Resources (MNR), Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), and Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). MTCU, responsible for 95% of the results, delivers a range of programs directed toward increased education and training of Aboriginal people, e.g., Aboriginal specific programs that support Aboriginal students to access and complete post-secondary education and mainstream programs that support apprenticeship and job skills training. Through Ontario Works, CFCS contributes to the retraining of welfare recipients to support their re-entry into the workplace. MNR and MNDM both provide some training to Aboriginal people in the resource sector. 2002-2003 Commitments ONAS continues to co-ordinate and provide support, where appropriate, to ministries as they work to improve their data collection and reporting systems. Long-term Target Subject to the agreement of relevant BAE partner ministries, maintain the 1999-2000 level of 8% of Aboriginal people of working age enrolled in post secondary education and/or training programs until further data are available.

Core Business: Aboriginal Economic Development

3. # of Aboriginal people who gained employment as a % of # of Aboriginal people of working age

Increased Aboriginal Employment (data not available for 1998-99) What does the graph show? The decrease in Aboriginal employment, in real terms, from 5,660 to 4,600, reflects changes in data quality and differing ministry interpretations of the definition of jobs (part-time, full-time, seasonal). With the varied sources of data from ministries, agencies and third parties, the accuracy and reliability of the results reported must be viewed as preliminary. Ministries collect their own data based on agreed-upon generic strategy measures. The data are summarized and provided to ONAS, which has the responsibility for collating all data reported from BAE partner ministries. The 1996 census data were used to determine the total # of Aboriginal people of working age (between the ages of 15 and 64) in Ontario, i.e., 92,270 of a total Aboriginal population of 141,520. Secretariat and BAE Partner Ministry Contribution ONAS has responsibility for co-ordination of the BAE strategy and reporting of the overall strategy results, and provides support to partner ministries in their collecting and reporting of BAE results. Six BAE partner ministries (MAF, MCZ*, MNR, MNDM, MTCU and ONAS) deliver a variety of programs that contribute directly or indirectly to the employment of Aboriginal people. MTCU supports Aboriginal education and training programs that assist in qualifying individuals for employment while the other five deliver a variety of business and economic development programs that support job creation (* will not be included in 2001-2002). 2002-2003 Commitments In co-operation with its partners (public/private sector), ONAS continues to support Aboriginal job creation and employment. ONAS continues to co-ordinate and provide support, where appropriate, to ministries as they work to improve their data collection and reporting systems. Long-term Target Subject to the agreement of relevant BAE partner ministries, maintain the 2001-2002 level of 5% increase in Aboriginal employment until further data are available.

Core Business: Aboriginal Economic Development

4. # partnerships or businesses created and/or expanded as a % of the total # of businesses registered in Ontario

Increased Aboriginal Businesses and Partnerships (data not available for 1998-99) What does the graph show? The apparent increase in the number of Aboriginal partnerships/businesses, in real terms from 143 to 216, reflects the time taken for partnerships to evolve to the point where they can be counted and to the changes in data quality and differing ministry interpretations of the definitions of partnerships and/or businesses. With the varied sources of data from ministries, agencies and third parties, the accuracy and reliability of the results reported must be viewed as preliminary. Ministries collect their own data based on agreed-upon generic strategy measures. The data are summarized and provided to ONAS, which has the responsibility for collating all data reported from BAE partner ministries. The # of businesses registered in Ontario (157,035 and 163,723 in 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 respectively) is provided by the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. Secretariat and BAE Partner Ministry Contribution ONAS has responsibility for co-ordination of the BAE strategy and reporting of the overall strategy results, and provides support to partner ministries in their collecting and reporting of BAE results. Five BAE partner ministries (MAF, MCZ*, MNR, MNDM and ONAS) deliver a variety of programs that contribute either directly or indirectly to the facilitation and support of Aboriginal partnerships and businesses (* reported only for 1999-2000 and 2000-2001). 2002-2003 Commitments In co-operation with its partners (public/private sector), ONAS continues to support and promote Aboriginal partnership and business development. ONAS continues to co-ordinate and provide support, where appropriate, to ministries as they work to improve their data collection and reporting systems. Long-term Target Subject to agreement of relevant BAE partner ministries, maintain the 1999-2000 level of .09 % until further data are available.

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Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
Operating $14.0 million Capital 2 $3.0 million 55 staff 1

Negotiations	Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination
Operating $5.0 million 18.0 staff	Operating $2.0 million 16.0 staff

Aboriginal Economic Development	Ministry Administration
Operating $4.0 million Gross Capital $3.0 million 9.0 staff	Operating $3.0 million 12.0 staff

Note:

1. Staff numbers are shown as full-time equivalents.
2. Gross Capital Expenditure includes the following: i) acquisition or construction of major tangible capital assets owned by the Province (land, buildings and transportation infrastructure) and other tangible capital assets; ii) repairs and maintenance; and iii) transfers for capital purposes.

*PSAB based

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Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
Operating $15.0 million Gross Capital 2 $6.0 million 60 staff 1

Negotiations	Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Coordination
Operating $6.0 million 19.0 staff	Operating $3.0 million 18.0 staff

Aboriginal Economic Development	Ministry Administration
Operating $4.0 million Gross Capital $6.0 million 10.0 staff	Operating $2.0 million 13.0 staff

Note:

1. Staff numbers are shown as full-time equivalents.
2. Gross Capital Expenditure includes the following: i) acquisition or construction of major tangible capital assets owned by the Province (land, buildings and transportation infrastructure) and other tangible capital assets; ii) repairs and maintenance; and iii) transfers for capital purposes.

*PSAB based

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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
4^th 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 Advisor on Native Affairs
Ron Ross
Phone: 416-326-4000
Fax: 416-326-4016

Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Secretary for Native Affairs
Yan Lazor
Phone: 416-326-4741
Fax: 416-326-4017

Negotiations
Doug Carr
Phone: 416-326-4771
Fax: 416-326-4017

Aboriginal/Federal Relations
Pat Sawchuk
Phone: 416-326-4379
Fax: 416-326-4017

Legal Services
David Carson
Phone: 416-326-2372
Fax: 416-326-4017

Corporate Aboriginal Affairs Co-ordination
Richard Saunders
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

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