The Lac La Ronge Indian Band is one of nine First Nations chosen for Rapid Housing Initiative projects announced today by the federal government. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

federal government

Feds announce immediate construction of 84 homes for Sask. First Nations

Apr 15, 2021 | 12:40 PM

The federal government has announced a $17 million investment to the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) for the immediate construction of 84 units of affordable homes for First Nations in Saskatchewan.

The new homes will be built in nine Indigenous communities including Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, Big River First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Muskoday First Nation, Saulteaux 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 Ahmed Hussen, the Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “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.”

The announcement states the houses are being delivered by CMHC under the National Housing Strategy. The RHI provides capital contributions to develop new, permanent affordable housing by covering costs associated with modular multi-unit rental construction, conversion of non-residential to affordable multi-residential homes and rehabilitation of buildings in disrepair or abandoned to affordable multi-residential homes.

Investments made under the RHI are expected to support thousands of construction-related jobs for Canadians across the country.

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“Improving Indigenous housing outcomes must be a priority for the Government of Canada,” said Adam Vaughan, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “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.”

Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $70 billion  plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. This includes more than $13 billion committed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno