Government of Canada and the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 work together to support housing initiatives on reserve

OTTAWA, Aug. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - All Canadians should have access to a safe and healthy home. The Government of Canada is making historic investments toward improving the condition of housing in First Nation communities, reducing overcrowding, and increasing health and safety. 

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced $16 million to support housing projects for Ontario First Nation communities in the Treaty #3 area. Seventeen First Nations are building new homes, renovating existing ones, creating innovative approaches to on-reserve housing and increasing their capacity to govern their housing portfolio with funding provided in Budget 2016-2017.  

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada provided $66.2 million in Budget 2016 funding for the construction of approximately 300 new housing units in 55 Ontario First Nation communities.

Quotes

"‎Safe and secure housing is the base to ensure better health and mental health outcomes. It's about dignity.  Today's announcement is tangible evidence of our commitment to making significant investments in housing to improve the quality of life for all First Nation people living on reserve in Canada."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"Quality housing is key to improving the health and well-being of First Nation residents. With this funding, and in partnership with the Government of Canada, First Nations will be able to continue their pursuit of improving housing conditions on reserve in the Treaty #3 area."

Honourable Bob Nault, P.C.
Member of Parliament for Kenora

"The Government of Canada's efforts will help families in First Nation communities in Treaty #3 to grow and prosper. These projects contribute to a brighter future for First Nations and for the surrounding region." 

Don Rusnak,
Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

"This support demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to improve housing conditions for the Anishinaabe people in Treaty #3. Many generations of families will benefit from having safe and healthy homes, which will contribute to stronger communities."

Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief
Grand Council Treaty #3

Quick Facts

• Treaty #3's geographical area is over 142,449 square kilometres, spanning from west of Thunder Bay to north of Sioux Lookout, along the international border to the province of Manitoba.
• There are 28 First Nation communities within Treaty #3, with a population of approximately 25,000.
• The Treaty #3 First Nations receiving funding for housing projects are:
• Anishnaabeg of Naongashiing
• Couchiching
• Nigigoonsiminikaaning
• Rainy River
• Ojibways of Onigaming
• Seine River
• Mitaanjigamiing
• Ochiichagwe,babigo'ining
• Grassy Narrows
• Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
• Shoal Lake No.40
• Wabauskang
• Naotkamegwanning
• Lac Des Mille Lacs
• Lac Seul
• Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
• Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent Nation

Associated Links

Learn about how the Government of Canada supports housing in First Nation communities. 
Grand Council Treaty #3 website

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160