Government of Canada supports six-unit housing project at Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation

OTTAWA, Aug. 22, 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 the health and safety of residents.

Today the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, congratulated Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation on the completion of its new six-unit housing complex. The First Nation, with funding from the Government of Canada's Budget 2016 Housing Initiative, constructed the housing complex, made  renovations to existing homes, and developed a long-term housing strategy to help meet the community's needs years into the future.

Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation is one of 55 First Nation communities in Ontario that will benefit from new housing investments through Budget 2016.

Quotes

"Safe and secure housing is the base to ensure better health and mental health outcomes. It's about dignity. Congratulations to Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation for your leadership and hard work, which has resulted in safe homes for six families. Our government remains committed to making significant investments in housing to improve the quality of life for First Nations."

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

"I am pleased with the support from this Government, which demonstrates a commitment to improve the housing conditions for my community. As a result, six families will be provided with safe, healthy homes."

Chief Gerald Lewis
Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation

Quick Facts

• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) invested $1,315,000 for the lot servicing and construction of the six-unit housing complex, to renovate ten homes and to make an addition to an existing home.
• INAC also invested approximately $223,000 for the community to undertake various capacity development initiatives such as hiring a community housing planner, developing a housing plan, conducting staff training, developing workshops on housing policies, developing a housing authority, creating a rental regime and a housing inventory.
• The Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation is located 50 kilometres southwest of Kenora along the shores of Shoal Lake. It has an on-reserve population of approximately 330.

Associated Links

Learn about how the Government of Canada supports housing in First Nation communities

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For more information, 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