BC the first province to invest government housing funds into Indigenous housing
British Columbia will become the first province in Canada to invest provincial social housing funds into on-reserve housing, the government announced today.
“We know that Indigenous peoples often face extraordinary housing challenges,” said provincial housing minister, Selina Robinson. “With these new provincial housing funds… we are taking a major step forward in making sure Indigenous peoples everywhere in BC have access to the safe and secure housing they need.”
Through the new Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund, the British Columbia government will invest $550 million over the next 10 years to build and operate 1,750 new units of social housing for projects, both on- and off-reserve.
“We are encouraged by this first step of the provincial government to respond to the need for affordable housing for Indigenous peoples,” said Chief Bob Chamberlin, vice-president, Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “For true reconciliation, steps like these are crucial, but Indigenous peoples must be involved every step of the way.”
BC Housing will send out a request for proposals to identify prospective partners, including Indigenous non-profit housing providers, First Nations, Métis Nation British Columbia, and non-profit and for-profit developers, wanting to partner with Indigenous housing providers and First Nations.
In addition to funding under the new Indigenous Housing Fund, Indigenous organizations and First Nations will be able to access provincial support, under the new housing funds announced as part of Budget 2018 and the 30-point housing plan.
The new housing will be developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Indigenous housing societies and First Nations.
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