Canada's Economic Action Plan Creates Jobs and Improves Housing on Reserve in British Columbia

FORT ST. JOHN, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 27, 2011) - The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced today an investment of more than $3.8 million as part of the year two funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for the West Moberly, Halfway River and Lower Similkameen First Nations communities. 

The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement today.

"Year two of Canada's Economic Action Plan demonstrates that our Government remains committed to improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in British Columbia," said Minister Day. "Today's investment will provide quality, affordable housing while creating jobs and stimulating the local economy."

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over two years to help over 495 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 is also providing an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

Some $63 million in federal investments through Canada's Economic Action Plan will be made available to First Nations in British Columbia to address immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate more than $7 million toward subsidies for 40 new housing units on-reserve in British Columbia. Of this funding, West Moberly First Nation will receive more than $960,000 towards seven units; Halfway River First Nation will receive more than $1 million towards seven units; and Lower Similkameen First Nation will receive more than $1.5 million to towards seven 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. 

Backgrounder attached.

INVESTMENT TO IMPROVE ON-RESERVE SOCIAL HOUSING

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations through targeted investments to build and renovate housing. Today's announcement is the latest in a series of commitments by the federal government to improve housing conditions in First Nations communities. 

This commitment is in addition to the federal government's annual investment, through Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), of approximately $277 million for on-reserve housing needs, and INAC's investment of approximately $118 million annually for First Nations on-reserve in the form of shelter allowance payments under the Income Assistance Program.

Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has provided $400 million over two years to support on-reserve housing. Of the $400 million committed, $250 million is being delivered through CMHC over two years for the creation of new on-reserve housing ($125 million) and the repair and renovation of existing federally-assisted on-reserve social housing ($125 million). The remaining $150 million is being delivered by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) for lot servicing, renovations, new construction of high-density multi-unit dwellings, and renovations to support the conversion of band-owned housing to private ownership.

In 2007, the Government invested $300 million in the First Nations Market Housing Fund, which encourages market-based housing on-reserve.

Funding Breakdown

West Moberly First Nation

New Construction: $968,900 (7 units)

Halfway River First Nation

New Construction: $1,263,900 (7 units)

Lower Similkameen First Nation

New Construction: $1,582,900 (7 units)