Government of Canada partners with Lac Seul First Nation to improve housing in the community

OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - All Canadians should have the security of a safe and healthy home. The Government of Canada is committed to working in genuine partnership with First Nations to improve the condition of housing in their communities, reduce overcrowding, and better safeguard the health and safety of residents.

Today, the Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, participated in grand opening celebrations and offered congratulations to Lac Seul First Nation on the completion of nine newly-constructed housing units. With Budget 2016 targeted funding, the federal government provided the community with over $1.45 million in investments for lot servicing and construction costs, while the First Nation contributed $250,000 of its own funds to create three new triplexes.

Quotes

"I applaud Lac Seul First Nation and the Ke-Nawind Housing Development Authority for their planning and construction of these housing units and their ongoing dedication to improving living conditions for community members. Our Government remains steadfast in its commitment to improve housing conditions on reserve."

The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services

"I am pleased with the support from this Government, which demonstrates a commitment to improve the housing conditions for my community. The new homes will contribute to a healthier life for many families in the community."

Chief Clifford Bull
Lac Seul First Nation

"It was an honour to be in Lac Seul today for the ribbon cutting ceremony, and to see nine families move into their new homes. With a growing population, Lac Seul, like many First Nations, requires updates and expansions to existing housing in order to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. This is a step in the right direction towards improving conditions on-reserve."

The Honourable Bob Nault
Member of Parliament
Kenora Riding

Quick Facts

• Lac Seul First Nation is approximately 40 kilometres from Sioux Lookout, Ontario and has three distinct settlements: Frenchman's Head, Kejick Bay and Whitefish Bay First Nations.
• As of October 2017, Lac Seul First Nation has a total registered population of 3,478 with 899 living on reserve.
• The federal government provided $1,203,120 to build three new triplexes and $250,000 to service the building lots. Lac Seul First Nation contributed $250,000 to the project.
• The federal government also provided $195,000 to the First Nation to renovate 10 homes to meet health and safety requirements and enhance fire protection.
• Lac Seul First Nation received the Community Housing Recognition Award at the February 2017 First Nations Housing Conference. The award recognizes the community's leadership in developing comprehensive housing policies and its ongoing work in developing a thriving economy and sustainable housing.

Associated Links

• Learn about how the Government of Canada supports housing in First Nation communities.
• Lac Seul First Nation housing program
• Community Housing Recognition Award/YouTube

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Andrew MacKendrick, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, 819-956-5388; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160