Ref. #2-3366
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 11, 2010) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today congratulates the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony PointFirst Nation on the opening of its innovative six-unit housing development. This project was made possible thanks to an investment under Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP).
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting initiatives that provide adequate and affordable housing opportunities for First Nations," said Minister Strahl. "The Government has a long-standing commitment to support First Nations with their housing needs and we are very proud to have been a major funding partner in this project."
"We are very pleased to work in partnership with the government to provide much needed housing in our community. This project also created employment for members helping to support the internal economy of the First Nation," stated Chief Elizabeth Cloud.
"This new facility is an excellent example of action taken and real progress made to improve the quality of life for First Nations in Ontario," stated Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton- Kent-Middlesex. "This new complex reflects our Government's commitment under Canada's Economic Action Plan, to ensure the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation has solid infrastructure to help the community to thrive."
The construction of the multi-unit housing project started in September 2009 and was completed on March 31, 2010, culminating in today's community grand opening of the facility. The Government of Canada provided $252,720 for this initiative.
This housing project is one of 13 multi-unit housing developments being funded under CEAP on-reserve housing initiative in Ontario. CEAP has also invested funding in Ontario for the renovation of 635 housing units, the servicing of 187 lots for future housing development and the upgrading of 71 housing units for First Nation members home ownership.
These one bedroom units are intended to address housing needs of people in the community, including individuals on disability and senior citizens. The units were built to meet energy-efficient guidelines resulting in low operating costs for the residents of the homes.
This project is also part of the $400 million to support First Nations nationally for the construction of new on-reserve housing, renovations, or existing social housing, and for complementary housing activities under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
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
