MP Greg Rickford (Con., Kenora), who is also the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, announced an investment of more than $14.2 million over two years to improve housing conditions for 36 First Nations communities in Ontario.
Rickford made the announcement at the ninth annual First Nation Housing Conference at the Valhalla Inn Wednesday.
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government committed $400 million over two years to help nearly 500 First Nations communities build or repair homes. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will allocate more than $8 million to renovate and retrofit 577 units and allocate more than $6.2 million toward subsidies for 29 new housing units for First Nations communities in Ontario.
Fort William First Nation will receive $226, 800 for 21 units while Ginoogaming First Nation will receive the largest amount at $1.5 million for the construction on seven units.
Other First Nations communities receiving money include:
- Couchiching First Nation – $402, 000 for 20 units.
- Eabametoong First Nation – $940,000 for 3 units.
- Pic River First Nation – $760,000 for 38 units.
- Red Rock First Nation – $86,031 for 11 units.
Chief Collins said it was a drop in a bucket for his community and said no matter what funding is offered he will always expect more.
"Most of our communities are living in third-world conditions," Collins said. "When (Rickford) makes an announcement like today it’s an exciting one but it’s only a drop in the bucket to improve our housing."
Fort William First Nation has already started working on home improvements, including making housing units more energy efficient. But that’s just the beginning, Collins said. Some houses have mould issues, older units need their windows replaced and have insulation installed, he said.
Despite not being satisfied with the amount announced, Collins did admit that it was as step in the right direction.
Rickford said he appreciated Collins’ feedback, but wouldn’t commit immediately to more federal dollars.
"I think he knows for the first time in a long time this government is willing to sit down and work with First Nations communities and address these challenges," Rickford said.
"It isn’t just about building houses and waste water treatment plants, it’s about building capacity amongst local workers to do those and get certifications.
“We’re making investments in education and training for folks to do this and I think you have to have a broader vision before you can simply make commitments."
The difference between the housing already provided by the federal government for First Nations communities is that social housing offers better flexibility for communities to do more innovative projects, he added.
