(Toronto, ON – November 24, 2021) On November 23, 2021, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech from the Throne titled, Building a Resilient Economy: A Cleaner & Healthier Future for Our Kids, opening the second session of the 44th Parliament of Canada.

“On behalf of the Chiefs in Ontario, we are pleased with the announcements made in yesterday’s Speech from the Throne, delivered by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “Yesterday’s Speech from the Throne not only outlined the plans and priorities for the 44th Parliament but included a roadmap to address critical issues that involve or impact First Nations in Ontario, such as continued health and pandemic-related initiatives, economic development and infrastructure, climate change and notably, the government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation.”

Among these announcements were specific commitments to invest significantly in a distinctions-based, Indigenous-led, mental health and wellness strategy, respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, move forward with a 10-year National Action Plan on gender-based violence, accelerate work to address the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, promises to eliminate all remaining long-term drinking water advisories, implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“While I am encouraged by these announcements, many of these are prior commitments that have not been completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and they must be at the top of the legislative agenda and met with concrete actions that truly address the economic and social inequities faced by First Nations across Ontario and Canada.

I look forward to meeting with the Prime Minister, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hadju, and all Cabinet Ministers to establish a new and collaborative approach to working with First Nations leadership, and to take immediate action on addressing our priorities and outstanding issues, as outlined in the Towards a New Relationship document, to ensure the health, safety and well-being of First Nations in Ontario.”

Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

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Genna Benson
Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org