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Ottawa (February 5, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, issued the following statement today:
"In 2007, our Government demonstrated that it recognized the need for tailored financial solutions for affordable, stable housing among a young and growing First Nations population. By creating the $300 million First Nations Market Housing Fund, we established unprecedented access to home financing for First Nations people on reserve.
"Last spring marked the official opening of the Fund. Today, we reach another important milestone as the Miawpukek First Nation of Newfoundland and Labrador become the first First Nations community approved for housing loans backed by the Fund. I want to congratulate Chief Mi'sel Joe of Miawpukek for seizing the opportunity to help his community grow.
"I also want to extend special congratulations to Grand Chief John Beaucage and the Board of the Fund on this significant achievement. Members of the Board know, as we do, that the success we celebrate today is the result of essential partnerships among First Nations, financial institutions and the Government of Canada—partnerships founded on hard work, cooperation and creativity.
"Our Government also knows that, while the First Nations Market Housing Fund addresses a vital need, there remain significant concerns with respect to the basic housing supply on-reserve. That is why Budget 2009 commits an additional $400 million over the next two years to support new social housing projects, remediation of existing social housing and complementary housing activities on-reserve, such as lot servicing.
"We look to continuing to work with partners—both to advance these new commitments, and to further implement the First Nations Market Housing Fund so that more First Nations people realize their dream of owning a home."
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
