Government Investments Save Lives: Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald to the Ontario Government’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Press Release

(Toronto, ON, Jan 17, 2020) — The Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, presented the Chiefs of Ontario Pre-Budget Submission today, calling on the Ontario Government to continue investing in the health, social and economic well-being of First Nation communities.

“This is the second opportunity for the Chiefs of Ontario to help guide the provincial government on supporting First Nations as key players in your initiative “Building Ontario Together” ensuring success for us all,” Regional Chief Archibald presented to the Committee.

“To achieve these goals, we are looking for the government to look at enhancing and creating three key initiatives. I am proposing that we establish a strategic mechanism called the Prosperity Table, a mechanism that will allow us to discuss our shared priorities and will assist this government to move forward with your strong agenda on economic growth.”

Other highlights of the pre-budget submission included:

– The government needs to continue and enhance investment streams into mental health and social programs, as one of the key aspects to building a thriving economy is to create space for a healthy workforce.

– We are your partners, and we are also the catalyst for this government to ensure the ‘certainty’ that you need to achieve your goals on economic prosperity, wealth and job creation; goals that we as First Nations peoples share with you.

– Continue and enhance investments into the Indigenous Economic Fund to create by a minimum of $150-million that supports for First Nations and Ontario to thrive.

“I want to conclude by saying that your governments’ investments will save lives, it will build lives and it will build futures. This is a legacy you can be proud of,” said Regional Chief Archibald.

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The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Inquiries please contact: Scott Cavan – Phone: 416-522-0706 email: scott.cavan@coo.org

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