News Release

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McGuinty Government Strengthens Commitment to Aboriginal Health

Budget Investment Means Stronger, Healthier Communities

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is strengthening its commitment to build a healthier Ontario by injecting $25 million in new funding over the next five years to improve the health of the province's aboriginal communities, Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Women's Issues announced today.

The new investment follows on the heels of the government's April 2004 commitment to renew the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy, and brings the government's total commitment to $191.5 million over five years.

"Our budget, The Plan For Change, was about producing the results Ontarians want and need," said Pupatello. "This investment does that—and stronger, healthier aboriginal communities is something we can all be proud of."

Over the next five years, the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy will help improve the health and well-being of thousands of aboriginal people across Ontario. The strategy combines traditional aboriginal and contemporary health and healing services to strengthen primary care, reduce family violence and improve family wellness in aboriginal communities.

"The McGuinty government is committed to building a healthier Ontario, and the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy is a part of that plan," said Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman. "We're making health care more responsive to people's needs today, so that our communities and families are healthier tomorrow."

The strategy is a unique partnership between the province and 15 aboriginal organizations and First Nations.

"One of the key priorities the McGuinty government shares with aboriginal leaders is the health of aboriginal residents of Ontario," said Michael Bryant, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs. "This new funding is a strong statement of how we are working co-operatively with Ontario's Aboriginal communities on those priorities."

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Contacts:

Sara Best
Minister's Office
416-325-5213

Eva Lannon
Minister's Office
416-327-4320

Sandra D'Ambrosio
Minister's Office
416-326-1000

Related Link: Ministry of Community and Social Services

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