Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will receive housing funding

OLD CROW, YT, June 22, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada are pleased to provide funding to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) for the creation of ten utility buildings in Old Crow. VGFN is receiving $500,000 for the project funded as part of the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.

The ten utility buildings, attached to permanent housing units, will house hot water tanks, electrical and mechanical utilities. They will allow VGFN to access and maintain utilities when residents are away from their units, preventing freezing. Federal funding is being distributed through the Yukon First Nation Housing Partnership program. The intent of the partnership is to help renovate or build First Nation housing.

Yukon Housing Corporation will continue to work with Yukon First Nations on providing funding for housing construction and retrofits in their communities.

Quotes:

"Our government is committed to working with First Nations on housing solutions unique to Yukon. Through working closely with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Yukon Housing Corporation, we're able to assess needs of individual communities. Together, we're taking steps to modernize housing in these areas." ? Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon

"This government is dedicated to strong parterships, and addressing housing issues through the guidance of Yukon's Housing Action Plan. This funding helps provide safe, energy-efficient, modern housing for more Yukoners. Our government to government partnership with the Vuntut Gwichin First Nation has helped make this happen." ? Pauline Frost, Minister Responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation

"Vuntut Gwitchin Government is pleased to see government to government partnerships in action. This funding will assist VGG with its goal of 'building a safe community,' which begins with ensuring and creating a healthy home environment. ? Chief of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Bruce Charlie

Quick facts:

• First Nations played an important role in the development of the Housing Action Plan for Yukon and are involved in its implementation.
• Partnerships with Yukon First Nation governments are a priority for Yukon Housing Corporation.
• The First Nation Housing Partnership program began in 2016 and provides assistance, through capital grants to First Nation governments, First Nation development corporations and First Nation housing providers for the construction of new housing, the renovation and rehabilitation of existing housing, and the provision of rent supplements in newly constructed units.
• In 2018-19, Yukon Housing Corporation will provide approximately $1.5 million through the First Nation Partnership Program. This funding is provided through the Canada-Yukon Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy (NHS)?an ambitious 10-year, $40 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 percent.
• The NHS is built on strong partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on continuous engagement with others including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

Associated links:

As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca

To learn more, visit Yukon Housing Corporation and Housing Action Plan for Yukon.

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation