Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will receive housing funding

Press Release

June 22, 2018

The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada are pleased to provide funding for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) for the creation of ten utility buildings in Old Crow. VGFN is receiving $500,000 for the project funded as part of the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.

The ten utility buildings, attached to permanent housing units, will house hot water tanks, electrical and mechanical utilities. They will allow the VGFN to access and maintain the utilities when the residents are away from their units, preventing freezing. The federal funding is being distributed through the Yukon First Nation Housing Partnership program. The intent of the partnership is to help renovate or build First Nation housing.

Yukon Housing Corporation will continue to work with Yukon First Nations on providing funding for housing construction and retrofits in their communities.

This government is dedicated to strong partnerships, and addressing housing issues through the guidance of Yukon’s Housing Action Plan. This funding helps provide safe, energy-efficient, modern housing for more Yukoners. Our government to government partnership with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has helped make this happen.

Minister Responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Pauline Frost

Our government is committed to working with First Nations on housing solutions unique to Yukon. Through working closely with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Yukon Housing Corporation, we’re able to assess needs of individual communities. Together, we’re taking steps to modernize housing in these areas.

Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell

Vuntut Gwitchin government is pleased to see government-to-government partnerships in action. This funding will assist VGG with its goal of building a safe community, which begins with ensuring and creating a healthy home environment.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Bruce Charlie

Quick Facts

• First Nations played an important role in the development of the Housing Action Plan for Yukon and are involved in its implementation.
• The First Nation Housing Partnership program began in 2016 and provides assistance through capital grants to First Nation governments, First Nation development corporations and First Nation housing providers.
• The program assists with the construction of new housing, the renovation and rehabilitation of existing housing, and the provision of rent supplements in newly constructed units.
• In 2018–19, Yukon Housing Corporation will provide approximately $1.5 million through the First Nation Partnership Program. This funding is provided through the Canada-Yukon Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy (NHS) –an ambitions 10-year, $40 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need, as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.
• The NHS is built on strong partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

Contact

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca

Susan Moorhead Mooney
Hon. Larry Bagnell P.C., M.P.
867-668-6565
Larry.Bagnell.C1@parl.gc.ca

Sarah Murray
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-334-8712
sarah.murray@gov.yk.ca

Gabriel Teo
CMHC
604-737-4137
gteo@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

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