Release: Optimization of the Home Ownership and Renovation Program in the Kativik Region

Press Release

Kuujjuaq, August 17, 2018 – The MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant for the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Jean Boucher, announces on behalf of the Minister responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing, Lise Thériault, improvements to the Home Ownership and Renovation Program in the Kativik Region.

The Program provides financial assistance to current and future home owners in Nunavik for the construction, purchase, renovation and occupation (municipal taxes and insurance) of private residences. The announced provisions are intended to inject new life into the Program in response to construction costs that have increased by 75% in the Kativik Region in recent years.

Specifically, maximum eligible costs under the Program for the purchase or construction of a private home will increase by 75%. Maximum financial assistance for renovation work will be raised by the same percentage. And, maximum financial assistance for municipal taxes will be increased by 40%.

Quotes

“These changes will make it possible to better respond to the needs of households wishing to acquire their own homes. The program needed to be revised to take into account major increases in construction costs. Today’s announcement is the product of work with our Nunavik partners. I am happy to confirm that the government is listening to the people of the region.”

Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant for the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks

“The government is well aware of the specific conditions of home ownership in Nunavik and the challenge they pose for households, in particular in financial terms. The proposed adjustments represent additional incentives to encourage the development of a private housing market in the region.”

Lise Thériault, Minister responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière Region

“Today, we are offering even more help to families interested in becoming home owners. Throughout my term of office, it has been an honour for me to work with regional authorities in Nunavik and our other stakeholders, such as the SHQ, to effect improvements in the housing situation of Nunavimmiut. I am convinced that the continuation of our efforts will lead to a better quality of living for the region’s residents.”

Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs

“For many Québecers, home ownership is a means of achieving better living conditions. This is no exception for families living in the northern villages. It is imperative to create conditions that are conducive to these goals. I am hopeful the changes announced will prove even more responsive to the housing needs of the residents of Nunavik.”

Luc Blanchette, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and Minister responsible for the Nord‑du‑Québec Region

“We are pleased with the results of the joint work of our three Nunavik organizations and the government. Following several months of discussions, we have developed a new version of the home ownership program, one that is better adapted to the reality and needs of residents. Home ownership is a step forward for us, because it offers an alternative to social housing.”

Charlie Watt, President, Makivik Corporation
Jennifer Munick, Chairperson, Kativik Regional Government
Sammy Duncan, President, Board of Directors, Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau (KMHB)

Highlights

• The Québec government has allocated a $15.9‑million budget to the Société d’habitation du Québec (housing corporation, SHQ) for the Home Ownership and Renovation Program in the Kativik Region over the next five years, i.e. from 2018 to 2023. The budget will be administered by the KMHB.
• The Home Ownership and Renovation Program in the Kativik Region is intended to foster the creation of a private housing market in Nunavik and to encourage more households to become private home owners.

About the SHQ

The SHQ’s mission is to respond to the housing needs of Québec citizens. To this end, it makes available affordable or low-rental housing, and it offers a range of programs to foster residential construction and renovations, home adaptation and home ownership. As a leader in the field of housing, the SHQ promotes partnerships with communities, joint stakeholder actions and innovation. To learn more about SHQ activities, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca.

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