The federal government has announced a major investment going towards 84 units of affordable homes for Saskatchewan First Nations.
The announcement was made in Regina by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. They announced approximately $17 million investment through the Projects Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative for the immediate construction of 84 units of affordable homes, which will be built in nine Indigenous communities including Saulteaux First Nation, which will build 15 homes under the program.
The other homes will be built in Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation, Big River First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Muskoday First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, and Witchekan Lake First Nation.
"Our Government is taking steps, right now, to ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home,” said minister Hussein in a statement. “Our investments will go a long way to effectively support those who need it most by quickly providing new affordable housing units to vulnerable individuals and families, while addressing the unique barriers faced by communities such as First Nations in Saskatchewan. This is the National Housing Strategy at work."
"Improving Indigenous housing outcomes must be a priority for the Government of Canada. Creating new stock of affordable and safe housing for indigenous peoples is just one way we can partner with First Nations to improve housing conditions and alleviate core housing need,” said Vaughan in a statement.
"Saulteaux is excited to have been selected for participation in the Rapid Housing Initiative. It will provide us the ability to build 15 new homes in our community. These new homes will address overcrowding and allow us to bring Saulteaux members home to the community. Having family members close for First Nations has become ever more important during these pandemic times,” said Kenny Moccasin, Saulteaux First Nation chief, in a statement.
