Further Steps on Ontario Works Reform

Resolution No. 2005-03-06

Further Steps on Ontario Works Reform

WHEREAS in 1996 and thereafter the provincial government made major changes to social assistance which were detrimental to the Mushkegowuk First Nations, and attempted to force the First Nations to adopt the changes; and

WHEREAS the Mushkegowuk Council successfully challenged in court the ability of the province to force those changes on First Nations; and

WHEREAS Mushkegowuk Council and other First Nations then developed together with the federal government a pilot project for improved social assistance, with increased self government, and in accordance with First Nations' historic bilateral relationship with the federal government; and

WHEREAS the federal government then reneged on its commitments and its responsibilities and refused to further participate in a further bilateral social assistance relationship; and

WHEREAS the Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief, after detailed consultation with Ontario Works workers in our communities, has met

with senior provincial representatives, who have advised that the new provincial government may be open to a social assistance administration Board operated by First Nations, and to changes to the Ontario Works system that may address many of Mushkegowuk concerns;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mushkegowuk Grand Chief is authorized and directed to continue talks with the provincial government on the possibility of a social assistance administration Board operated by First Nations, and on possible major improvements to Ontario Works to take into account the real needs of the Mushkegowuk people.

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