FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INVESTING IN FIRST NATION HOUSING 

Port Alberni, B.C., April 8, 2010 — James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced today an investment of more than $2.1 million as part of the year one funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for the First Nation communities on Vancouver Island. 

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs, stimulating the local economy and improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in British Columbia,” said MP Lunney. “In our riding alone there will be funding for Nanoose Bay FN of $195,610 to retro fit 13 units, the Hupacasath FN will receive $9,520 to retro fit 9 units and right here on the land of the Tseshaht FN a total of  $100,663 to retro fit 7 units.”
 
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC.  This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, some $50 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in British Columbia to address immediate housing needs.

Specifically, CMHC will allocate more than $11.1 million to retrofit housing units on reserve in British Columbia.  Of this funding, 17 First Nation communities on Vancouver Island will receive more than $2.1 million to improve the quality of 207 housing units.

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca. 

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.