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Provincial budget raises more questions than answers: Ontario regional chief

Ontario Regional Chief's news release TORONTO, ON (April 23, 2015) — Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy says the 2015 Ontario Budget does not answer how Ontario will work with First Nations over the next year.

Ontario Regional Chief's news release

 

TORONTO, ON (April 23, 2015) — Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy says the 2015 Ontario Budget does not answer how Ontario will work with First Nations over the next year.

“Ontario’s Budget does not clearly invest in the needs of First Nations,” said Regional Chief Beardy. “Chiefs of Ontario will need to look closely at the budget to determine whether this budget is a positive step towards building relationships with First Nations.”

The budget which projects slight increases in First Nations spending contains no new programs or services to close the gap between First Nations and Ontarians. Ontario will follow through on previous promises to help remote First Nations in the north connect to the province's power grid and pledged to build infrastructure within the Ring of Fire region. 

Ontario will allocate additional funding to First Nations education through the Post Secondary Education Fund for Aboriginal Learners.  Additionally, some First Nations will benefit from reduced energy bills under the newly announced Ontario Electricity Support Program.

However, First Nations are vehemently opposed to Ontario’s intention to prosecute more First Nations for possessing raw leaf tobacco. Traditional tobacco is of central importance to the identity, ceremony and traditions of First Nations. The traditional practice and trade of tobacco and tobacco-related products has evolved into a commercial commodity that supports many First Nation families particularly in Six Nations, Kahnawake and Akwesasne communities.

“First Nations have continually called on Ontario to drop its discriminatory assault on First Nations tobacco. We will continue to oppose and challenge every effort Ontario makes to violate First Nations rights and disrespect our cultural ties to tobacco,” said Ontario Regional Beardy.

Nonetheless, Ontario Regional Chief Beardy is hopeful. This past November, Premier Kathleen Wynne committed to renewing Ontario’s Treaty-based relationship with First Nations. 

“I am hopeful that Ontario will continue its commitment to develop relationships with First Nations,” said Ontario Regional Chief Beardy. “We expect that Ontario will use funding allocations within the budget to support the priorities that First Nations identify, and this includes implementing the Treaties and recognizing First Nations rights. First Nations must direct how our relationship develops, not the Province.”

 

 

 





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