TORONTO — Following through on its 2004 Budget commitment, the McGuinty government is investing in additional supports to improve mental health services, community wellness and access to health care for Aboriginal people across Ontario.

"I'm proud to work hand-in-hand with my provincial colleagues and our Aboriginal partners to seek better ways of serving Aboriginal people," said Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello. "Together we will continue to build a healthier future for Aboriginal communities across Ontario."

The government is investing an additional $25 million over five years to support Ontario's Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy. Ministers and Aboriginal leaders responsible for the strategy met today in Toronto and agreed to invest the additional funding to enhance shelters for women and their children fleeing violence, improve health and treatment centres, and fund new healing lodge services in the Toronto region. The new funding will also be used to hire more community wellness and crisis intervention workers who help Aboriginal communities deal with youth suicide and family violence, among other issues.

The ministers and Aboriginal leaders also discussed shared priorities and future directions such as expanding services for children and youth, increasing mental health supports for children and adults, and improving coordination with provincial and federal programs.

"The strategy is a government and Aboriginal partnership that works and helps us meet the health and healing needs of our communities," said the president of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres Rick Lobzun. "We are particularly pleased with the new funding, which has given us the opportunity to develop initiatives for children and youth aged seven to 15 years who too often fall through the gaps in other programming."

Noting that all Ontario's Aboriginal peoples work together in the strategy, Grand Chief Stan Beardy of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said, "The new funding will help to better respond to risks to personal health or family well-being, such as family violence and youth suicide. It will help us to support healing and achieve real health improvements."

Michael Bryant, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, added, "This is a great example of the success that can be achieved by working together. More than 90 per cent of the strategy's clients report improvements in their overall physical and mental health through their participation in the programs and services. We will build on this record to achieve even greater success in the future."

The Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy is a unique partnership between the Ontario government and 15 Aboriginal organizations and First Nations, serving Aboriginal people in Ontario residing on reserves and in urban areas. Because programs and services are designed, delivered and managed by Aboriginal people, the partnership ensures that Aboriginal people in Ontario have a direct say in services that are a priority for their communities.

"Besides supporting the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy, our government provides for a range of other Aboriginal health programs and services – from diabetes prevention and education to HIV/AIDS programs – as well as Aboriginal community health centres," said Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman. "But I also know that we can do more, and I appreciated hearing today from the leaders of the Aboriginal organizations and First Nations about their concerns."