Leader has it wrong

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: "Ontario NDP leader wary of new approach"

As the new Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and one who has long had an interest in Aboriginal matters, I wish to clarify a number of statements made by Ontario NDP leader Howard Hampton about funding of the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs (formerly the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat) in the July 2005 issue of Windspeaker.

Mr. Hampton stated that the Ontario government has cut the operating budget of the secretariat by 23 per cent. The annual budget for the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs has remained the same despite intense fiscal restraints. The 23 per cent cut referred to by Mr. Hampton reflects a one-time $4 million payment for the Big Grassy and Wahta land claim settlements in 2004-2005. This $4 million payment is not part of the annual operating budget of the secretariat and will not re-occur in subsequent years.

Mr. Hampton also stated that this cut "means the end for a number of programs." The Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs has received an increase in its capital investment program for Aboriginal communities for 2005-06. The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program nearly doubled in size from $1.6 million to $3.1 million. This money will support the development of community and small business centres in Aboriginal communities. Overall, this means an eight per cent increase in the secretariat's budget.

In the area of programs delivered to Aboriginal peoples, the government of Ontario has increased spending in health and education. Funding for the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness strategy, a partnership between the Ontario government and 15 Aboriginal organizations, has increased its funding to $38.3 million representing an increase of 15 per cent for a third five-year term. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities provides more than $7 million annually for programs and services to support approximately 7,200 Aboriginal post-secondary students through special-purpose grants for colleges and universities.

I would like to ensure that your readers have the correct information about the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs and Ontario's efforts to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal residents.

Yours truly,

Minister David Ramsay