The Ontario government continues to make investments in the fight against climate change and economic development. It committed $13 million in two two initiatives to help Indigenous communities address climate change and support economic growth.
"Climate change is having significant impacts on First Nations and Métis communities. This investment is just one example of the collaborative partnerships we want to establish with First Nations, Métis, business, academic and other non-governmental partners to foster sharing, learning and collective action towards a low-carbon, high-productivity economy that benefits us all,” said Glen Murray, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
Through its Climate Change Strategy, the province is investing $5 million from the Green Investment Fund to the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources, in partnership with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corp. This investment will help provide Indigenous communities with training, tools and infrastructure to address climate change by:
- Developing climate change adaptation plans.
- Building technical capacity so Indigenous communities are able to take advantage of economic opportunities from Ontario's proposed cap and trade program.
- Creating a Northern Ontario climate change impact study using data from the adaptation plans.
Ontario is also committing $8 million to develop advanced microgrid solutions in First Nations communities. These microgrid projects will support economic growth by reducing reliance on diesel fuel and enabling stable, predictable sources of power.
A shift to microgrids from diesel fuel is also vital to the fight against climate change and achieving Ontario's greenhouse gas pollution reduction target of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
"The Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation is encouraged today by the commitment of the Ontario Government to assist First Nations in their fight against climate change. The investment announced today will work towards building capacity for tribal councils and First Nations in Ontario, to address the vital issues surrounding climate change. By working together we can achieve meaningful results for ourselves, our communities and our nations,” said Shannin Metatawabin, executive director at Ontario First Nations Technical Services.