Brad Duguid - Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Gene introduced MPP Brad Duguid to President Mike, fellow Rotarians and guests. He began by telling us that our speaker is a talented individual. In 1984 he became city councilor, he has been involved with the homeless, crime prevention, social justice for youth. He has been the Minister of Labour, Deputy House Leader, and is now a leader of Aboriginal Affairs.

Brad began by telling us that his main job is rising issues and talking to groups. He thanked the Scarborough Rotary Club for all you’ve done for our community. Between my days on Scarborough Council to the new City of Toronto Council to my six years at Queen’s Park, I’ve been representing Scarborough for going on 15 years now. We’ve gone from being our own City to becoming part of the Megacity of Toronto. I, along with many, were concerned over the years that we would lose our identity…our community spirit….but we’ve persevered and thanks to organizations like the Scarborough Rotary club, our community spirit in Scarborough has remained alive and thriving.

The tradition such as the Scarborough RibFest have not only provided me with the really tough job of being an annual judge and being forced to try a rib from every ribber - tough job - it’s become a staple event that brings us all together….our entire community looks forward to the Ribfest every year, thanks to you who have brought this great community building event to our community. In the beginning there was lots of skepticism of its success, but 8 years later it is still going. I’ll make the sacrifice every year to taste the ribs for you.

Over the course of those 15 years in elected office, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a number of interesting capacities from Community Service Chair during a housing crisis, to Works Chair during a previous garbage strike, to Labour Minister during a TTC strike, among other interesting responsibilities…but I can honestly say…I’ve never been so inspired in any work I have every done more than I am in my current portfolio…Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. My father tolerated his job. I am able to work in an area I love and am passionate about.

Like all of you in the Scarborough Rotary Club, my goal in life is to simply to the best I can to build a brighter future for our children. It’s that simple. You and I have a magnificent opportunity to do something previous generations have failed to do. We have an opportunity to begin, what I call a generational transformation, that has been by and large needed but relatively stagnant for at least 200 years. I am the 2nd Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

We’ve done incredible things and we have very diverse communities, through wars and different events but we still have failed to turn around the quality of life of Aboriginal in 200 years. We talk about everyone being equal and deserving of equal opportunity but that has never really been the case with first Nations they are and always have been at the bottom end of almost every socio-economic demographic - Health - highest rates of diabetes, ear conditions, obesity, aids, infant mortality - Social Indicators - highest rates of incarceration, teenage suicides, substance abuse, poorest housing conditions that we would never want to experience, highest poverty rates - Education - on reserve - 5 times less likely to have graduated from high school, off reserve 3 times less likely - each student on a reserve receives $2000-$9000 less funding than those other students - Access to economic development - higher rates of unemployment, less access to economic development opportunities is difficult with without education. We have got to bridge the gap.

These conditions have existed for generations - I think from time to time there were intentions to do something about it - often governments did the wrong thing - eg. Residential schools - attempts to assimilate - resulted in abuse, loss of identity and culture, creating family dysfunction for at least two generations which is still recovering, still healing - loss of parenting skills and high rates of substance abuse and arson. Children have to travel 100 miles away from home to attend high school, going back home at Christmas. That’s tough enough but most often the child is 2 or 3 years behind. First Nation face other issues, not the same standards, which are critical in the gaps and realities present.

Residential schools were well intended. The kids were plunked down and were not allowed to speak their language while at school. They were abused and many disappeared. An elder approached Brad and said that he was going to die in the next few months and his brother disappeared. He didn’t know what happened to his brother. There was a loss in identity and culture. Questions of where do I fit. The challenge is great.

I think previous generations have recognized the failures, but it’s never been a political priority for our country or province. Add to these conditions the fact that the aboriginal population is the youngest and fastest growing population in our province and across Canada growing 5 times faster than the Canadian average. What that spells is a looming economic and social crisis if action is not taken soon. The fastest growing young population in this province is not going to accept anything but full and equal access to education, economic opportunities, health and hope that all Ontarians enjoy. So, we have a choice as a people, as a generation…we can by and large ignore this looming crisis and allow social chaos to emerge as this young population explodes in frustration at the injustices they face….or we can work in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit leaders and communities in building a new relationship to lead to a generational change that narrows and eliminates these socioeconomic gaps. I’m committed to the latter and that’s what my working life these days is all about.

Story about Kasheshewan - crosses next to swing sets - this is the reality - we should be ashamed - this is our national shame - but being ashamed is not enough - we must recognize the failures of the past and do something about it. At Stony Point we signed an agreement after so many years of injustice. An elder Katherine kissed me. I’ve waited all my life for this. Kids were asking if this area was really theirs and their kids now.

The good news is I have the privilege of working for a Premier and a government that gets it - that’s passionate about making this generational change - not because it’s good politics, because unfortunately, it still is not a “political priority for the public” …but because of our values as a government and as a people - we simply cannot let another generation of first nation young people go by without righting this historic wrong.

Let’s go back six years ago Ipperwash - Dudley George died as a result - the relationship between the Province of Ontario and First Nation people were at the historic low. Fast forward to today six years we have transformed that relationship to a point where most Aboriginal leaders would agree that the relationship is now the highest most positive point in our history.

I’m really optimistic that we can do now what we couldn’t previously. We need to do the right thing, not only the socially right thing but it is also an economic imperative. We’re going through tough times, economical crises and tough decisions are required.

We are now true partners and we have respect and trust as a platform. It’s not a sexy issue and is not in the headlines. It is out of sight but we were taught a false history. It is time to recognize who we are and we need to encompass and recognize the Aboriginal people. I’ll be leading Aboriginal Affairs Ministers from across Ontario as we find ways to work together to urge the Federal government to fix the dysfunctional and underfunded on reserve education system among other issues and will be hosting Ministers in Ontario this winter.

Attendance

There were 32 in attendance which included to visiting Rotarians Rosalie Lampone, Ric Speariu from New Tampa Evening Rotary Club and their friend Mary Robinson and well as returning Kim Nilsson and Diane Wilson. Sandra Cooksey who is having her birthday on the 19th listened to our warbling Happy Birthday to her. Chris told of Kim’s continuing efforts in acquiring clothes and musical instruments for a community in the north. The instruments have already been sent north with one of the students’ teachers. Our speaker Brad Duguid was accompanied by his Aids Hratsh Aynedjian and Paul Teves.

Announcements

Mike told us of the terrific fireside they had on the 1st, a good event with lots of information.

Bob reminded us of the BBQ on Sunday, telling us the code of 03892 at the gate, to bring our own plates, forks, spoons and chairs, and to call Audrey and tell here whether you would bring a dessert or salad. Jim will greet everyone at the gate to assist if they forget the code. Pat suggested that perhaps the gate has now been fixed, otherwise one would need a card (Moe has one).

Mike asked if anyone knew what the number 12 on the chart meant. Kim said that it meant 12 new members. So far this year there is one transfer and two new members.

.Woods Cunningham Wheel

Kim spun the wheel but didn’t Ace it.

Sergeant-at-Arms

Jim said he received a nice phone call from S at A.

Anne reported that Karen returned from the NW passage and wasn’t eaten by either the polar or Grizzly bear she saw.

Mike C told us that Mathew is now in Grade ll.

Shirley told of Variety Village’s WalknRoll, Sunday September 29 and said she was looking for sponsors if anyone was interested in contributing. Every $20 received will allow a person on a disability pension to be involved in the event.

Gerard said that he went to Burlington’s Ribfest which is supposed to be the largest but there midway was just blow-up apparatus. I think he was trying to suggest that ours is the best.

Mike M. dropped Spike off at University and already notices that the fridge seems to be remaining full!

Celebrations

Upcoming Meetings- to update your information, e-mail Gary at garymac@clarkehenning.com

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