Remarks by the Hon. James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

BMO NESBITT BURNS NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY CELEBRATION

First Canadian Place, Toronto, Ontario, June 22, 2006

Thank you for inviting me to join you today, for this special celebration in honour of National Aboriginal Day. I commend the BMO Nesbitt Burns Diversity Council for hosting this event.

I understand that, since the Council was created in 2002, BMO Nesbitt Burns has garnered much recognition as a leader in the development of a diverse and equitable workplace. These include a listing among Canadas Top 100 Employers and awards for the advancement of women, people with disabilities, visible minorities and aboriginal employees.

According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, BMO Nesbitt Burns is one of the few federally regulated organizations to be in compliance with all the statutory requirements of the Employment Equity Act. Staff are fortunate to work for a company that sees diversity in its workforce as something to be fostered rather than tolerated, as not just a business asset but an incentive for all employees to be the best they can possibly be.

The letter that invited me here today mentioned that understanding diversity in Canada begins with our First Nations people. Yet few Canadians realize that there are more than 600 First Nations governments or bands in Canada, roughly half of them in Ontario and BC.

The First Nations constitute a cultural mosaic as rich and diverse as that of Canada itself. Some 296 indigenous languages are spoken in Canada and the US. Compare this with Toronto, where 100 languages are spoken in what is claimed to be the most diverse city on the planet!

Statistics Canada's 2001 census showed that just under 1 million people roughly 3.3% of total population identify themselves as North American Indian, Métis or Inuit. Today's aboriginal population is young one-third is under 14 years of age. And it is increasing urban almost half now live in cities.

The pressures of urban life are as much a part of aboriginal reality as land claims, treaty rights and the other aspects of living on reserve. Some Native people experience marginalization in urban areas; others experience success. In Ontario, there is a growing urban middle class, making major contributions in fields like law, the arts, education and business.

But there is also an enormous disparity in living conditions and educational levels between First Nations communities in southern Ontario and those in the northern parts of the province. In remote northern communities, living conditions are at Third World levels, with dilapidated schools, lacking libraries and basic teaching resources. This translates into low literacy rates, low self-esteem, and a high rate of suicide.

To address this situation, I have launched four literacy initiatives: a book program, school twinning program, literacy summer camps, and Club Amick for young aboriginal readers.

I commend the management and employees of BMO Nesbitt Burns for supporting aboriginal youth through your Equity in Education program. By encouraging young people to stay in school, you are giving the gift of education, which lasts a lifetime.