HAMLET OF TULITA, NT, May 26, 2021 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada's recovery for communities across the country, including those in the Northwest Territories.
Today Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), alongside the Honourable Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for the NWT Housing Corp. and Minister Responsible for Homelessness, and Douglas Yallee, the Mayor of Tulita, announced a $4.9 million federal investment for the construction of eight modular housing units for the Indigenous commmunity of Tulita located in Northwest Territories Sahtu Region.
Current plans for the community-led project calls for designating two of the eight units as emergency accommodation for vulnerable persons in need. The remaining six approved housing units will accommodate the needs of elders and others in the community.
Today's announcement is part of $60 million set aside by CMHC to address housing needs and challenges in the Northwest Territories. These housing funds are designated for those most at-risk, including women and their children, people with disabilities, and seniors.
This funding is being delivered through CMHC's National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), which supports new and revitalization construction of mixed-income, mixed-tenure, and mixed-use affordable housing. The NHCF is a key pillar of the Government of Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS).
In Budget 2021, $750 million in NHCF funding is being made available in 2021-22 and 2022-23. This will accelerate the creation of 3,400 new units, and the repair of 13,700 units.
Quotes:
"This is the National Housing Strategy at work. It is flexible and in tune with the needs of northern communities. Our government remains committed to making significant investments in affordable housing and meeting housing needs and challenges facing communities in the NWT." – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
"Building quality affordable homes is a priority for the Territories. This is something I have heard consistently here in our northern communities and with our Indigenous partners. This project, part of the $60 million set-aside for the Northwest Territories to build affordable housing, represents an important step towards meeting those needs. By partnering with the Hamlet of Tulita, we will build new housing that has long-term, positive impacts for residents that meets their needs". – Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories
"Working in partnership has been the key to providing affordable housing to meet the needs of our residents. This is the future of suitable, adequate and affordable housing in the NWT. I am excited for the community of Tulita and I look forward to further partnerships that address core housing needs throughout the NWT." – The Honourable Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for the NWT Housing Corp. and Minister Responsible for Homelessness
"Safe, affordable housing for residents is a vital need and a basic human right. During this pandemic, we have witnessed first-hand how personal and community well-being suffers when those needs are not met. Construction of the new units will help improve the quality of life and benefit the local economy." – Douglas Yallee, Mayor of Tulita
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As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Media contacts: Mikaela Harrison, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, [email protected]; Leonard Catling, Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]
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