Government Helping Native Business

The Ontario government want to give First Nation companies a better chance to bid on government contracts in their communities.

Native Affairs Minister Brad Duguid says he's putting into place a new procurement policy.

"That's going to give aboriginal businesses an opportunity to get a leg up on government contracts that impact aboriginal communities," says Duguid.

Duguid made the announcement during a native economic development forum in Thunder Bay yesterday.

Aboriginal leaders from across the region have gathered to begin work on a new economic strategy.

Duguid says its important to build strong aboriginal businesses.

"What we're doing here today is looking for other ideas and ways that we can work in partnership to build stronger aboriginal economies. We know that a strong aboriginal economic and community will contribute to a stronger Ontario economy."