News Release

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Ministers Tour Ontario's Far North to Build Stronger Partnerships with Aboriginal Communities

Visit Signals New Effort to Involve Far North Communities in Positive Change

TORONTO – Ontario's Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, Michael Bryant, and Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Rick Bartolucci, are visiting the Mishkeegogamang First Nation in Ontario's Far North today.

"This will be my first visit to Ontario's Far North," said Bryant. "I want to see for myself the challenges these Aboriginal communities face, to hear the concerns of Aboriginal peoples and to identify ways Ontario and Aboriginal leaders can work together and deliver positive change."

"I am very pleased to make my fourth Far North trip since last fall—this time, with my colleague, Minister Bryant," said Bartolucci. "The Ontario government wants to build stronger partnerships with First Nations to create new opportunities and strengthen their communities. I look forward to continuing the dialogue that will allow us to meet our mutual goals for healthy and thriving Aboriginal communities in Ontario's North."

Today, Bryant and Bartolucci meet with Chief Ronald Roundhead and community leaders at Mishkeegogamang First Nation, located 315 km north of Thunder Bay.

"The McGuinty government is committed to working with Aboriginal leaders to deliver real, positive change in Ontario's North," said Bryant.

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Contacts:

Greg Crone
Minister Bryant;s Office
416-326-4000

Laura Blondeau
Minister Bartolucci's Office - Sudbury
(705) 564-7454

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