The region is burdened with a unique set of housing challenges
The federal government has confirmed a $50-million tranche to be released from 2021-22 as funding for the immediate construction and repair of housing units in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
“The COVID-19 recession is the steepest and fastest economic contraction since the Great Depression,” the government’s announcement read. “It has disproportionately affected low-wage workers, young people, women, and racialized Canadians.”
Read more: Feds, CMHC to invest hundreds of millions in fresh housing supply
To discuss the infrastructure investments in the region, as detailed by Budget 2021, Minister of Northern Affairs Daniel Vandal and Minister of Indigenous Services Canada Marc Miller recently met with Indigenous partners across the North and in Inuit Nunangat.
“The government recognizes that Canada’s northern, remote and isolated communities face unique housing and infrastructure needs given the challenges presented by geography, climate change, limited infrastructure, location, and historic underfunding,” the government said.
Among the chief investments will be in housing, clean water, and other community infrastructure, in turn generating lasting jobs and building “healthier, safer, and more prosperous Indigenous communities in the long-term,” the government added. “The investments in the federal government’s plan will accelerate its 10-year commitment to close the infrastructure gaps in Indigenous communities.”
