PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) works closely with clients to provide a wide range of environmental advisory services which support an increasing demand to build technical capacity and maintain a sustainable environment network.

The services provided by the OFNTSC environment program are confined to an advisory level. The services are offered to program support staff at Tribal Councils, Large First Nations and to OFNTSC service providers serving the Unaffiliated First Nations. The OFNTSC environment program staff also provides support to various First Nations and government environment committees and initiatives, including the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Chiefs of Ontario (COO), Environment Canada, and others including the private sector when required.

There are currently two Environmental Scientists on staff, one working from the Toronto office and one from the Thunder Bay office. Advisory services offered include technical, scientific, and policy support to clients in the following key areas:

• Contaminated site assessment and remediation including human health and ecological risk assessment;
• Solid waste management;
• Environmental assessment;
• Spills and environmental emergency response;
• Fuel storage tanks;
• Wastewater effluent;
• Source water protection;
• Community sustainability planning;
• Renewable energy; and
• Green building & design.

Our services include environmental review of community infrastructure (i.e. major capital) projects. Training is another key service we provide. Environment coordinates training courses and workshop based on identified client needs and priorities. Examples of past training initiatives include the Earthkeepers Solid Waste Management Training program for First Nations. We also participate in regional, provincial and national environmental initiatives that advance the interests of First Nations in Ontario.