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VANCOUVER – The Government of Canada, Province of B.C. and First Nations Leadership Council today signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU), agreeing to work together to develop a comprehensive approach to improve housing for First Nations communities, individuals and families both on and off reserve.
“It’s clear that housing conditions for many First Nations are not acceptable,” said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Province. “We are committed to making improvements that will ensure that First Nations live in healthy, safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing. This agreement is another example of how our government is building a new relationship with First Nations and closing the gaps that exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal British Columbians.”
This agreement will:
· Acknowledge that working in partnership is necessary to overcome barriers and to address the housing gap between First Nations people and other British Columbians;
· Commit to exploring innovative approaches to improve housing and infrastructure for First Nations, individuals and families, including housing programs currently in place; and
· Set out an initial framework for the collaborative development of interlinked on- and off-reserve housing strategies.
“One of the priorities in Housing Matters BC, our provincial housing strategy, is to improve housing options for B.C. First Nations off-reserve,” said Rich Coleman, Minister responsible for Housing. “We’re supporting our housing strategy with over $50 million targeted to Aboriginal housing initiatives.”
A committee representing all three parties to the MOU will be formed within three months to collaboratively develop a plan for interlinked on- and off-reserve housing strategies in support of First Nations individuals and families. The Government of Canada, Province of B.C. and First Nations Leadership Council will then meet annually to discuss progress in implementing the MOU.
The Government of Canada, through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, delivers housing programs for First Nations living on reserve while the Province supports First Nations housing off reserve. The First Nations Leadership Council provides political support and advocacy on issues common to B.C. First Nations, including housing and infrastructure.
Signatories to the memorandum of understanding are: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Province of B.C; First Nations Summit; B.C. Assembly of First Nations; and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
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