Ontario launches Aboriginal economic development fund.

The province has launched the $25-million Aboriginal Economic Development Fund, which will fund business, employment and training opportunities for First Nation, Metis and Inuit businesses.

A three-year initiative, the fund has the following goals:

* Help Aboriginal communities develop long-term strategies to diversify their economies.

* Improve community capacity for economic development.

* Provide access to financing to start and expand Aboriginal businesses.

* Enable communities to collaborate on region-wide employment and skills training projects.

The AEDF was introduced in the 2014 Budget as part of Ontario's Jobs and Prosperity Fund and is a part of Ontario's Treaty Strategy.

There are more than 9,000...