ENGAGEMENT ON THE CO-DEVELOPMENT OF AN URBAN, RURAL AND NORTHERN INDIGENOUS HOUSING STRATEGY

Improving the quality, supply and affordability of housing for Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas is a priority for the Government of Canada and an important commitment on the path toward reconciliation.

Today, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), on behalf of the Government of Canada and in collaboration with Indigenous partners, is launching public engagement on the co-development of an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. This Strategy is intended to complement the three existing distinctions-based housing strategies for First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as other investments in Indigenous housing.

Ideas will be gathered through various Indigenous-led engagements, an online survey open for submissions until March 31st, 2023, as well as written submissions by email or mail. The online survey and written responses are meant to supplement the various Indigenous-led engagement activities and reach a wider audience.

The engagements will seek ideas from Indigenous housing and service providers, Indigenous governments and organizations, Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas, advocacy organizations, and provinces and territories. It will build on the important work and advocacy of Indigenous groups, non-profit associations, stakeholders, parliamentarians, and others to shape a housing strategy designed for, and by, Indigenous Peoples. These engagements will focus on the vision, objectives, guiding principles, barriers, key priorities, potential governance models and funding needs for a long-term Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. Engagements are expected to conclude in spring 2023 and a summary will be available in summer 2023. Ideas on how to improve access to programs under the National Housing Strategy are also being sought.