Minister Gull-Masty holds press conference on Ontario First Nations services program – May 8, 2026

Added: 2026-05-09

[00:00:03]What I can say hello everyone.

[00:00:06]Thank you for coming this morning.

[00:00:08]Really appreciate your presence.

[00:00:12]I would like to also thank my colleagues for joining me this morning.

[00:00:25]Okay.

[00:00:26]I'm here to speak about the Ontario final agreement.

[00:00:29]First I would like to express my gratitude and my thanks to the Chiefs of Ontario and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Regional Chief Benedict and Grand Chief Fiddler for really their unwavering leadership and negotiations that led to the final agreement that was signed with Canada in Ontario.

[00:00:46]This has truly been a long road and I'm very grateful for everyone's dedication towards this important work.

[00:00:53]At the heart of my work every day is a simple and urgent goal.

[00:00:57]Better results for First Nations children and their families.

[00:01:03]What this means? Fewer children in care, fewer children entering care for the first time, shorter stays when intervention is needed, and more and more children growing up with their families and their culture in community.

[00:01:26]Too many children grow up in systems that were never designed by their communities.

[00:01:32]When First Nations exercise their jurisdiction over family a child and family services, we see the outcomes that matter the most and we see significant improvement.

[00:01:43]The path forward that we are committed to follows a key principle. First Nations must lead with full jurisdiction and the resources to reach the goals that they have set.

[00:01:55]The Ontario final agreement is a powerful example of what is possible when agreements reflect regional realities and support solutions created by and for communities.

[00:02:08]It is supported by 131 of the 133 First Nations communities in Ontario and it truly shines the light on a path forward.

[00:02:18]I'm pleased to confirm under this agreement funds will flow to communities beginning May 29th of this year to support their priorities.

[00:02:41]This is truly the beginning of a new era.

[00:02:45]We are working in partnership with the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and Ontario First Nations to implement the agreement with the shared commitment to keep First Nations children connected to family and community.

[00:03:00]While the Government of Canada did file a narrow application for judicial review last week regarding the Tribunal's remedies for Teke Tek Mu and Georgina Island First Nation, it is pending the release of the It is concerning the pending release of the Tribunal's final region reasons. I want to be clear that we will continue and have already started to engage with both communities to identify solutions in this space.

[00:03:27]I had the honor and pleasure of visiting Georgina Island earlier this week. I had a very positive conversation with Chief Big Canoe and the council. I remain entirely committed to that process and we have both agreed to meet as soon as possible.

[00:03:42]The nation's very specific geography creates unique challenges and we're looking at how to best resolve the issues that partners face involved in this space.

[00:03:58]I've also reached out to Te Wat Tech Mu Nation and I'm looking forward to meeting them.

[00:04:03]As we implement the Ontario Final Agreement, we will continue to fund actual costs of child and family services in both of those nations even while they remain outside of the OFA.

[00:04:16]At the same time, we are negotiating First Nations led regional agreements designed by and for communities across the country. I want to thank the leadership and the First Nations who have come to those tables to work with us in that space.

[00:04:32]I'm very encouraged and I am very grateful for your commitment.

[00:04:36]These discussions will shape regional governance models, accountability structures, and well-being indicators that reflect community priorities and support services tailored to their specific needs.

[00:04:49]I'm pleased to report that we are seeing significant progress, especially with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs recently. I'd like to thank my parliamentary secretary for being present and leading those important discussions.

[00:05:01]I'm looking forward to seeing them and meeting with them on the next step.

[00:05:16]The path we are proposing, which has seen much success in Ontario, is driven by First Nations and grounded in the regional realities, recognizing each region's strengths and the ways that they choose to care for their children.

[00:05:31]The proposed funding matches that were included in the 2024 Final Agreement with enhancements is is in place.

[00:05:38]Canada is committing $35.5 billion starting in 2027 for 7 years with annual with an annual 4.4 billion every year after that.

[00:05:51]Evidence from communities across the country show that when First Nations exercise jurisdiction over child and family services, fewer children enter into care and more children remain connected to their family and their outcomes improve.

[00:06:06]We know that when processes are tied up in court, the only people who wait are children and their families and this work stalls.

[00:06:15]Children are best served by timely community-driven solutions and not prolonged litigation.

[00:06:22]Funding alone is not enough. We must advance self-determination by supporting community-led systems.

[00:06:37]As a former First Nations leader, I understand and know the importance and also as a mother what lasting change means when communities take take their place to shape the systems that serve their children.

[00:07:00]There is no one-size-fits-all approach or solution that can be created and we must ensure that we reflect the strength, the diversity, and the rights of First Nations.

[00:07:12]I want to thank you for your commitment and I look forward to continuing this important work in collaboration with all First Nations who have come to the table.

[00:07:21]If there are other First Nations who wish to access information or ask questions about this file, we are always here to ensure that we provide space to do so, which is why we have launched earlier a child and family services information booklet identifying what the process is, what the outline is of this of this engagement session. This is where we encourage communities to come and ask questions. We're here to provide you as much information as possible.

[00:08:03]I want to thank those nations who have reached out and begun this process and for those who are already advanced in their conversations with us. This is an encouraging, incredibly challenging topic to work on and incredibly challenging space to be in, but I know and trust that leadership is there to protect their future members and I want to support them in that space.

[00:08:23]nations are you engaging with outside of Ontario to get an agreement and what's the timeline for that?

[00:08:28]>> Sure.

[00:08:29]Uh, we have done extensive work uh, in the west. So, we're working with Treaty 8, with Treaty 6. I had the opportunity for my PS, if she wants to add uh, to speak in Manitoba where we've had conversations with AMC. I'm encouraged that we've started to have some conversations in Quebec. Uh, we are also having conversations in the Atlantic region.

[00:08:49]The CHRT has asked us to undertake this work and complete it by fall, which is a very short timeline. I think for me, instead of uh, trying to rush communities to the table to have a final agreement, I want them to feel comfortable in the space that they need to take a decision. If they can express to me whether they wish to go in a regional framework pathway or national framework pathway, I'm com- I'm comfortable and confident to work in that space and I believe that the CHRT will support communities in their decision-making as well. Are you working with the situation in any way on child welfare? They they've kind of suggested that um, that that might be on pause.

[00:09:25]Well, I've had some really good conversations with Chief Swanson. So, I think that this is, you know, where we're starting. I've had other chiefs reach out to me. I'm encouraged by what's happening across the country.

[00:09:34]And, you know, I really want communities to understand that this is a decision that they make for themselves. You come to the table, we have an exploratory conversation. If you feel this framework works for you, then we collaborate with you, we enter into partnership, we create an agreement for you.

[00:09:52]Um there are some places where we're continuing to do that work. And of course, there are some communities that have expressed that they wish to partake in the national framework, which I respect. This is good work done in that place. Uh but I I think everybody here knows that I really believe in the space of self-determination. I'm always going to work with communities and prioritize those who wish to make these decisions for themselves and and support them in that place. Can I ask what I can I just say this first? On on this announcement today, like what what specific outcomes are you looking for from this traditional review review on these two nations?

[00:10:25]>> Sure. Thank you for that question. It's a really, really important one. Canada did issue a judicial review. It is a narrow judicial review. Uh I want to be sure that I get this information correct. Uh for me, first and foremost, I want to say this judicial review was to access information. We did see a letter decision, which is a preliminary decision. And you know, what the CHRT indicated was this is a summary decision. It is not considered a complete final decision. And without final interpretation of OFA and tribunal's orders and reasons in place.

[00:10:59]So, I want to respect what the CHRT is doing. This judicial review is more of a push to get CHRT to give us the information that we need to really ensure that the conversations that we have with Georgina Island and Taykwa Tagamou fall within, you know, what it is they were seeking to undertake with the decision that they issued. So, we're in a place of trying to uh you know, just access more information to be sure that we're supporting communities with the outcomes that they're seeking to achieve.

[00:11:25]>> [snorts] >> I'm seeking a comprehensive agreement.

[00:11:29]>> [laughter] >> That would be my goal. Uh but a comprehensive agreement that reflects the realities of what these communities are looking for.

[00:11:37]In my visit to Georgina Island, you know, I had to take a ferry to get to their community and during the winter, this is actually travel over ice and I heard from the council, I heard from the chief, I had the opportunity to speak briefly with, you know, the person in charge of CFS.

[00:11:54]Getting your children to school every day, getting your children to medical appointments, taking, you know, pregnant women to see a doctor, going to buy groceries, this is a very different reality for that community. They are remote, I think that's something that has to be recognized. This is one of the concerns that they raised with me. I really want to acknowledge Chief Big Canoe, she's done really incredible work in her community. I was this is a beautiful community, I encourage you to visit if you wish to to see a very unique space and how communities travel to get home, but I'm there to support the community, ensure that we reflect the things that they're asking for. Can I ask you about a separate topic? Um, on S-2, I just had a conversation with Mr. Lot um, on Wednesday and I spoke to Senator Arde yesterday. Um, the one thing that Mr. Lot said in terms of, you know, warming her up into to the government's position on this bill was your promise that standalone legislation was coming. Senator Arde said something similar saying, um, you know, she was going to give you the benefit of the doubt until the fall. Do you have a timeline for to provide any of us or to the Doso when we can expect the separate bill to come forward?

[00:12:56]>> Sure. I think one of the first interviews that I gave as a minister was my statement that I believe that second generation needs a standalone legislation. I still believe in that. I think that this is a space that we have to work in, community has to work with us.

[00:13:11]Uh, I one of [clears throat] the main decisions that I made was to expedite the collaborative consultation process.

[00:13:17]We have received information in that space and I want to be clear that, you know, any work that we do in second generation is not about whether or not we address it. The question is about how do we address it? And what does community determine that next step looking like? That's the importance of second generation cut off is empowering the community to have the decision to identify their members and work within the space of status and work with Canada as a partner to transition into that space. While I want to respect the work that's being done at INAC by my colleagues, as a minister you're not involved in that process. I am paying very close attention to the things that are being said there. And you know, we're speaking about what does it mean to go beyond the Indian Act when you look at second generation cut off? I'm very open in this space. I want to ensure that communities know and understand that I believe while status is a construct of the Indian Act, identifying your members and your citizens, especially the citizens part, is critical work that we have to empower them to undertake. And I Is it all too early to ask that? Was it too early to just even talk about timelines right now? No, we have concluded the progress that we're doing.

[00:14:31]I'll be engaging over the summer and then when we come back in the fall, I'm going to see, but I'm very committed to do this in an expeditious way. How's that? Minister, how do you see the chances that with the changes that are being proposed to the major projects approval process, that there will be adequate consultation for Indigenous peoples and what does that look like?

[00:14:50]I have I've heard about this this morning, the things that were coming forward. You know, I want to speak in this space because I am a former leader.

[00:14:56]I sat at the consultation table.

[00:14:59]One of the things that's important is if you want your project to be successful, that consultation is critical. And I also think for those individuals who are investing into a major project, they want that reassurance of knowing that everybody who's involved in Canada is at the table and committed. So I do feel comfortable in that space. I want to acknowledge the work of my colleagues, but I also want to speak to those communities that are interested and wanting to work in that space. Your involvement is not just about social acceptability. It's about defining the parameters of protecting the investment that other groups are bringing into this country, which means they are contributing to the economy, they are contributing to the GDP. Major projects is not only about getting that social acceptability. It's about helping the communities build up and empower themselves in a space. We're here to build capacity in that space. I encourage if you have questions or comments to you know to come to the major projects and the minister is available. I think that this is the time that you know as a country we're not only trying to build the economy, we're also trying to ensure that people rightfully recognize and understand that the contributions that indigenous people make in this space run into the billions of dollars with with the GDP. So I'm happy to do work in that space and I trust and understand that this government is going to respect what we set out to do. Mr. Speaker, I'm calling with now. Given BC's contentious situation with its drip of legislation, is the federal government having any conversations about possibly changing or repealing any elements of its federal drip of legislation? This is something that I'm watching and keeping my eye on.

[00:16:33]You know, while I think this is a very complex conversation to be had. I think that the decisions that are coming out of BC are challenging, but you know, I want to reaffirm what we have consistently heard in this house.

[00:16:46]The misinformation of thinking that land title and private property ownerships are at risk. No, they have coexisted for an indefinite amount of time. I think that the misinformation that's presented to the public is not something that is helpful.

[00:17:03]I believe that First Nations are here to help build this country. I believe that First Nations want to ensure that we can work together in harmony. How things unfold in BC is something that we're looking at. My colleagues and I are looking forward to to what is happening, but it is about having a conversation, a relationship, collaboration, and wishing, you know, to ensure that we're moving this file forward and working together. Who's telling that misinformation?

[00:17:26]Well, clearly the conservatives stand up and ask many questions on the decision on Cowichan, and I, you know, had the opportunity to support my colleague yesterday when she clarified the information that this private property rights are not at risk. We are here to do the work of protecting private property rights, and part of that is also the work in reconciliation, and I support that. Could you provide a little just how the Ontario money's going to roll out, like what happens May 29th, and just keeping in mind that each First Nations needs are different?

[00:17:53]>> Okay. Well, I think on May 29th, I would love to celebrate that with you. We are planning to host a really beautiful event. I invite you to come and attend because I think that this is going to be something that is historic for First Nations. I really want to give them the limelight and give them the opportunity to speak to that.

[00:18:12]I know that the conservatives, um, MP Billy Morin yesterday was at a conference where he said that the liberals are trying to turn all of Canada into an Indian reserve. Um, I I'm wondering if you have any comments on that.

[00:18:25]I have a lot of respect for my colleague, uh, MP Morin. You know, I think that as he tries to work within his party and and reflect their position, I am sometimes, you know, observing and wondering, okay, how how does that look, you know? We are here to support First Nations for their rights, their capacity, their connection to their land, their territory, their culture.

[00:18:50]Uh, I can't say that I necessarily agree with his comments, uh, but, you know, I am here to work with, uh, MP Morin to ensure that he's able to work for his constituents in this space as well and any other work that he wants to do. I respect him as a former grand chief, as a former leader in his nation. I'm not here to make any disparaging comments about, you know, what it is that he's stated. I don't think I necessarily agree with that because as the Minister of ISK, we are here to do work to support communities. My mandate is really one to ensure that I'm redefining the space because I am an Indigenous Minister and I hope that he will work with me to do that. Okay, that's all the time we have. Thank you. Happy goose break everybody. Merci beaucoup. All we got.