(Toronto, ON – November 22, 2023) – The Chiefs of Ontario have released the following statement in response to the 2023 Federal Fall Economic Statement:

The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) is expressing disappointment that Ontario First Nations’ priorities were not reflected in yesterday’s announcement of the 2023 Fall Economic Statement.

“Canadian politicians continually ask us to show up for photo ops with them to celebrate their accomplishments,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “Yet Canada continues to make no substantial movements on the priorities that we tell them are most important for First Nations citizens and communities in Ontario.”

While COO acknowledges the importance of the National Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, First Nations in Ontario have been asking Canada to advance significant initiatives related to economic, environmental, and social well-being. The Fall Economic Statement was a missed opportunity to address the ongoing affordability and infrastructure crises in First Nations communities.

In particular, Ontario First Nations are concerned that Canada has chosen to not address First Nations’ calls to consider the disproportionate burden that the Greenhouse Gas and Pollution Protection Act places on on-reserve First Nations citizens who do not access the Climate Action Plan Incentive tax rebate. First Nations have consistently asked for Canada to negotiate a way to make the GGPPA revenue-neutral on-reserve as it is for other Canadians.

Similarly, COO is disappointed that Canada is not advancing significant new investments for critical infrastructure on reserve. COO is also concerned that the Fall Economic Statement references the passage of the Canada Clean Water Act, which touches on matters integral to First Nations rights but is being crafted without consultation.

“First Nations in Ontario have been clear on their priorities. We will continue to advocate for Canada to recognize the infrastructure deficit in Ontario First Nations communities, fund and fix our ongoing drinking water crisis, and address ongoing health and affordability issues within First Nations communities,” said Regional Chief Hare. “When Canada is ready to do the right thing, we will show up and work with them.”

The release of the Fall Economic Statement coincides with COO’s 2023 Fall Chiefs Assembly (FCA). First Nations leaders continue their gathering in Toronto, Ontario, today and tomorrow, where they will deliberate on and discuss how First Nations priorities may be advanced with both Ontario and Canada.

COO will be conducting a more detailed review of the 2023 Federal Fall Economic Statement in the near future and will be releasing a more fulsome analysis and statement following this review.

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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.

Media Contact:

Chris Hoyos
Director of Policy and Communications
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Cell: (416) 579-4998
Email: Chris.Hoyos@coo.org