Improving Quality of Life In First Nations Communities Across The Province

THUNDER BAY - First Nations Chiefs from across Ontario voted in favour of an historic agreement yesterday that will result in improvements in quality of life and will strengthen First Nations communities in Ontario.

The agreement, worth over $3 billion, draws on provincial gaming revenues and will provide the long-term revenue that First Nations can use to invest in improvements in quality of life and to help strengthen their communities.

"I have been working hard, along with Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, and the Chiefs of Ontario to make this agreement happen, and we are all looking forward to the positive changes this will mean for First Nations communities across the province," said Michael Bryant, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

"Working with Minister Bryant to get this agreement ratified has been a lot of hard work, but ultimately this is a success story for both the province and First Nations communities," said Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

First Nations communities will receive $201 million immediately, which would also help to address socio-economic challenges in their communities.

The new agreement is based on an Agreement-in-Principle signed by the province and First Nations in March 2006.

This builds on the McGuinty government's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs, emphasizing a cooperative relationship between the Ontario government and First Nations.

"We have reached an historic agreement with our First Nations partners," said Bryant. "Through strengthening our commitment to a new relationship with First Nations, we are moving towards a better understanding of each other, and towards an exciting future."

"This agreement will have extraordinary long-term effects for First Nations communities, allowing them to invest more in the vital services they need," said Toulouse.