Ottawa, Ontario (March 24, 2010) — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Regions and the Land Occupancy of the Territory, Laurent Lessard, and the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Pierre Corbeil, have announced the renewal of an agreement between the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the Inuit of Nunavik that will translate into construction of around 340 housing units in Nunavik.
This multipartite agreement will come into effect on April 1, 2010 and will conclude in 2015.
This renewed agreement demonstrates the parties' commitment to make the implementation of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement a success. The agreement is totalling a projected $190 million and is funded by the governments of Canada and Quebec. Canada will finance the construction of housing while Quebec will assume the operating losses for a period of 15 years. Makivik Corporation will remain the principal contractor for the construction of the housing, and the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau will be the owner and manager of the units.
“This agreement will have a significant impact on improving the living conditions of the Inuit population in Nunavik. Implementation of this housing agreement is a key component in enabling social and economic development in this northern part of Canada,” said Minister Strahl.
“On several occasions, the Québec government has acknowledged that the housing situation in Nunavik is a priority and that a major effort must be made to improve it. The investment provided for in this agreement will alleviate the pressure on social housing in Nunavik and provide a healthier living environment for residents coping with particularly serious housing related problems,” affirmed Minister Lessard.
“This joint effort demonstrates the will of our governments to address the housing shortage in Nunavik. This should encourage the parties to continue working together to find additional ways to improve living conditions for the Inuit,” said Minister Corbeil.
For more information, please contact:
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1161
Sylvain Bourassa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
(418) 691-2050
(514) 873-2622
Hélène Sauvageau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
(418) 646-9131
Josiane Lamothe
Communication Advisor
Société d'habitation du Québec
(418) 643-4035, ext. 1334
