Inauguration of 24 new social housing units for low-income Indigenous families in Val-d’Or

Press Release

August 16, 2018

The Kijaté housing project was officially inaugurated today in Val-d’Or. The new 24-unit complex for low-income Indigenous families required more than $6.1 million in total investments.

Tenants will benefit from psychosocial, community and integration support services Kijaté is an initiative of the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre.

The opening was marked by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; and made by Guy Bourgeois, MNA for Abitibi-Est and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan, on behalf of Lise Thériault, Minister responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region.

Quotes:

““Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in Val d’Or and across Canada. In doing so, we are creating jobs and improving the quality of life for those who need it most. The construction of Kijaté has been long awaited and we could not be more pleased to share in this victory. With the opening of Kijaté, 24 Aboriginal families have found a safe and comfortable place to call home. This is our goal and, together with our partners, we are pleased to provide a helping hand to individuals and families in need.””

— The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

““In addition to providing an adequate home to Indigenous families, Kijaté gives them access to psychosocial and community support services. The Government is proud to have participated in the development of this project and will continue its efforts to improve the housing conditions of all Quebeckers, particularly the most vulnerable populations. I congratulate the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre for having completed this great project.””

— Guy Bourgeois, MNA for Abitibi-Est and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan, on behalf of Lise Thériault, Minister responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region

““Today, I can proudly say we are helping to actively improve the quality of life of 24 Indigenous families in the Val-d’Or area. Kijaté, which means ‘full sun,’ will not only provide them with a healthy and safe home, but also culturally appropriate common spaces to promote, among other things, education and community engagement. I want to warmly salute the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre, the City of Val-d’Or, the SHQ and all the other partners who were involved in this remarkable project.” ”

— Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs

““In this desire of living better together, Kijaté is a strong symbol of the willingness to complete common projects, promote sharing between individuals and families, and recognize the space and urban reality of contemporary autochthony.” ”

— Pierre Corbeil, Mayor of Val-d’Or

Highlights:
Through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the SHQ, the governments of Canada and Quebec provided more than $2 million for the construction of this housing project, under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.

• The City of Val-d’Or provided over $1.1 million for the development of this project, including a 35-year tax rebate and a land donation.
• An amount of $65,240 was granted by Transition énergétique Québec to ensure that the building would meet Novoclimat certification standards.
• An amount of $140,000 was granted by the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat.
• All the tenants of this housing project benefit from the SHQ’s Rent Supplement program, ensuring that they do not spend more than 25% of their income on housing. This additional assistance of more than $400,000 over five years is assumed by the SHQ (90%) and the City of Val-d’Or (10%).
• Through CMHC’s Seed Funding program, the project received a $12,000 contribution.

Associated links

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. 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 Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of its operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• The mission of the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) is to meet the housing needs of Quebec citizens, by providing affordable and low-rental housing and offering a range of assistance programs to support the construction, renovation and adaptation of homes and access to homeownership. As a leader in housing, the SHQ fosters the development of partnerships with communities, collaboration among sector stakeholders and innovation. To find out more about its activities, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html .

Sources:

Michael Brewster
Office of Minister Duclos
613-220-5956
michael.brewster@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Clémence Beaulieu Gendron
Press Secretary for the Minister responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region
418-691-2030

Sandra Ataman
Political Attaché
Office of the MNA for Abitibi-Est and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan
819-824-3333

Chantal Gauvin
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs
581-305-4278

Information:

Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
514-283-3679

Pierre Laberge
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
Société d’habitation du Québec
418-643-4035, ext. 1340
pierre.laberge@shq.gouv.qc.ca

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