The provincial budget of March 25 included $19 million for the New Relationship Fund ($9.5 million allocated so far). There is also $30 million over four years to support planning and to build capacity for Far North First Nations.
With the approval of the budget there are three new streams that could be used by aboriginal communities interested in energy projects:
1. Enhanced Capacity Building (April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010) – Up to $75,000 maximum per applicant
2. Economic Development (April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010) – Up to $75,000 maximum per applicant
3. Skills Training (April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010) – Up to $75,000 maximum per applicant.
The primary focus of the New Relationship Fund is to build and support consultation capacity at the community level to facilitate consultations relating to lands and resources. It has one program component, Core Consultation Capacity. Applications meeting requirements for Core Consultation Capacity will be funded, the government says. “The fund will help First Nations and Métis develop the skills, relationships, and partnerships to consult with government and/or the private sector on economic opportunities related to lands and resources.”
The secondary focus of the fund has three parts as follows:
Enhanced Capacity Funding:
Community projects are often large in scope and require various resources and capabilities not readily available to Aboriginal people or communities. The fund will support projects related to governance and organization building and/or research to support policy and legislative initiatives. Funding is for the period April 1, 2009 — March 31, 2010. The deadline for applications was May 29, 2009. This is a competitive process.
Economic Development Funding:
Strong business partnerships are essential for successful economic development initiatives. The fund will help Aboriginal communities and organizations develop partnerships that will lead to investments in Aboriginal economic development initiatives. It will also help support community economic development plans and plans for business start-up, expansion, and modernization. Funding is for the period April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010. Application and deadline were as above.
Skills Training:
With increased interest in development across the province, Aboriginal communities and organizations require skills training to take part. The fund will support technical training of community staff in environmental assessment, land use planning, forestry, mining, etc.
This will better ensure Aboriginal communities are making informed, knowledgeable decisions when it comes to business and development opportunities.
In September 2009, the Ontario government announced additional details of two new programs: The Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program and the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program. For more information, please see the following links:
* Creating Jobs and Promoting Economic Sustainability for Aboriginal People with the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program
* Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program: Creating Green Energy Opportunities for First Nation and Métis Communities
From the provincial Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca/