Canada announces funding for 14 shelter spaces in Massett and Bella Bella

Press Release

VANCOUVER, BC, April 2, 2026 – Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country.

Central to that work, the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, which is helping increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes is also helping fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It is building deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partnering with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.

As part of the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, investments are being made across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.

Today, the federal government announced $8.5 million in funding through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative for 14 shelter spaces in Bella Bella and Massett, which includes an investment for ongoing operational support, such as staffing, training, rent and utilities, client supports and programming, from Indigenous Services Canada.

The announcement was made by Wade Grant, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.

Quotes:

“Our Government is investing in affordable housing across British Columbia and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. We’re building a new generation of homes in communities that need them.” – Wade Grant, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra

“To address gender‑based violence affecting Indigenous women, children, families, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, we are strengthening supports in underserved coastal and island regions of northern British Columbia. Expanding access to transitional and supportive housing means people have safe, stable, and culturally grounded places to heal and rebuild their lives. These investments will foster wellness and resilience for generations to come.” – The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick Facts:

• The $724.1 million Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative was launched in November 2021 to support the construction of additional shelters and transitional homes for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals fleeing gender-based violence, including in urban areas and in the North. The program is now closed.

Additional Information:

• Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information.
• Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.
• CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. CMHC’s mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.

Appendix: Projects announced today under the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative.

Contacts: Renée LeBlanc Proctor, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, renee.proctor@infc.gc.ca; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

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