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Ottawa, Ontario (April 16, 2009) - The Government of Canada continues to support improvements in housing conditions for First Nations communities in Saskatchewan, the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today. Minister Strahl also outlined commitments to First Nations and northern housing that have been made across Canada as part of
Canada's Economic Action Plan .
“Today’s announcement demonstrates how this government is taking action by collaborating with First Nations to increase the supply of safe and affordable on-reserve housing in Saskatchewan,” said Minister Strahl. “Under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government’s $400-million commitment will improve access to safe and affordable on-reserve housing across Canada, which is essential for improving economic and social outcomes and supporting healthy, sustainable communities.”
In Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada committed $400 million over the next two years to support on-reserve housing. The funds are dedicated to new social housing projects, remediation of existing social housing stock and complementary housing activities through programming from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).
Approximately $60 million of this commitment will be made available to First Nations in Saskatchewan to address on-reserve housing issues in that province. This commitment will address immediate housing needs and assist in the transition to market-based housing on reserves. It will also serve as an economic stimulus for many First Nations and rural areas by generating employment, the development of skilled trades and the creation of small businesses.
Since the launch of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government has announced funding that will provide access to safe and affordable housing for on-reserve First Nations across Canada:
- British Columbia: approximately $50 million
- Ontario: approximately $65 million
- Alberta: approximately $50 million
- Quebec: approximately $45 million
- Manitoba: approximately $75 million
- Atlantic region: approximately $20 million
In addition, Canada’s Economic Plan committed $200 million over two years in dedicated funding for the territories to support the renovation and construction of new housing units, including $50 million for the Yukon, $100 million for Nunavut and $50 million for the Northwest Territories.
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government is helping to improve learning environments for First Nation students; continuing practical partnership approaches for Child and Family Services; increasing access to clean, safe drinking water; delivering skills training; improving the quality of housing and infrastructure on reserve including new schools; and investing in projects that will provide lasting, sustainable benefits for First Nation communities.
Backgrounder - First Nations and Northern Housing
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
