Ottawa, Ontario (August 6, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, today announced the recipients of the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) portion of on-reserve housing funding committed through Canada's Economic Action Plan for this fiscal year.
“Our Government is increasing the supply of safe and affordable housing for First Nation communities,” said Minister Strahl. “I am pleased to announce that more than 61% of on-reserve First Nations across Canada will benefit from investments in 2009-2010. This represents a step forward in improving housing conditions and promoting safer, healthier and more sustainable First Nation communities.”
“This initiative is the result of actively engaging with our partners and clearly demonstrates our Government’s continued commitment to improved housing conditions on-reserve. The funding will help First Nation communities create housing that will also build equity and create additional job opportunities,” said Minister Finley.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is investing $400 million over two years to support on-reserve housing. The funds are dedicated to new social housing projects, the remediation of existing social housing and complementary housing activities through programming from INAC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Of the $400 million, $150 million is being delivered by INAC for lot servicing, renovations, new construction of high-density multi-unit dwellings, and renovations to support the conversion of band-owned housing to private ownership. The remaining $250 million is being delivered through CMHC over two years: $125 million for the creation of new on-reserve housing; and $125 million for the repair and renovation of existing federally assisted on-reserve social housing.
On April 27, 2009, both departments welcomed First Nations with ready-to-go social housing construction or renovation projects to apply for funding committed in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. After a rigorous selection process, 2,704 lots/units were selected for INAC’s portion of funds for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. These lots/units will provide access to safe and affordable housing for more than 61% of on-reserve First Nations across Canada. Regions are in the process of finalizing their review and approval process for proposed 2010-2011 projects.
A total of $75 million is available in 2009-2010 for INAC’s housing allocations under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The following summarizes the number of First Nations benefiting from these funds:
More information is available online on Canada's Economic Action Plan , a plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession.
Backgrounder - Government of Canada Funding for Housing On-Reserve
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
