Province of BC to invest more money for housing, with focus on Indigenous housing both on and off reserve

The British Columbia government is putting more money towards housing in the province, with Premier John Horgan announcing a new initiative from Prince George on Monday, one that will put the focus on housing needs in First Nation communities.

The program to be run through the Indigenous Housing Fund will see the BC Government invest $550 million over the next ten years to build and operate 1,750 new units of social housing for projects that are located both on and off First Nation Reserve communities.

The approach to housing issues is in support of the province's efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, called attention to the investment in housing through a short note on Facebook page.

The program will launch with BC Housing sending out request for proposals to identify prospective partners that will have an interest in partnering with Indigenous housing providers and First Nations.

Selina Robinson, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing outlined the provincial government's view on how the funding.

“We know that Indigenous peoples often face extraordinary housing challenges. With these new provincial housing funds now available to more people, we are taking a major step forward in making sure Indigenous peoples everywhere in British Columbia have access to the safe and secure housing they need.”

The investment in Indigenous housing is part of a range of housing initiatives launched by the Provincial government in the last year, more background on Monday's announcement and their program can be reviewed here.

More background on housing issues in the Northwest can be examined from our archive page.

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