The urgency of on-reserve housing needs is the focus of a new government study.
The Senate Aboriginal Committee was in the city today to hear, for the first time, from northern Ontario’s First Nations communities.
Senator Denis Patterson says there is a tremendous need for quality house, related infrastructure, and financing.
“First Nations are challenged in developing capacity to deal with the challenge in the complex area of housing, building codes system management, financial management,” he says.
Patterson adds, while the report can’t guarantee an outcome, the Committee’s recomendations are usually implemented by government.
Charles Baxter Sr., housing manager for Constance Lake First Nation, says overcrowding is a major concern on-reserve – about 500 people are waiting for homes.
Baxter says he hopes his testomony to the Senate will help Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada recognize the financial restraints felt by First Nations.
An interim report is expected in December. (Photo: Caryn Ceolin)
