Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada’s recovery, as communities across the country, including in the Northwest Territories, are dealing with the devastating impacts of rising levels of homelessness and housing need.  

Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced more than $3.9 million to support the construction of 18 permanent affordable housing units for individuals and families in the Tłı̨chǫ Region through the Project Stream under the Rapid Housing Initiative. 

Delivered by CMHC, under the National Housing Strategy (NHS), RHI provides capital contributions to develop new, permanent affordable housing by covering costs associated with modular multi-unit rental construction; conversion of non-residential to affordable multi-residential homes; and, rehabilitation of buildings in disrepair and/or abandoned to affordable multi-residential homes. Investments made under the RHI are expected to support thousands of construction-related jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. 

Quotes: 

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The success of the Rapid Housing Initiative across the country means that housing is getting built, right now, for those in urgent need of housing. Soon, 18 units of new permanent affordable housing will be built in the communities of Whatì, Behchokǫ̀, Gamètì and Wekweètì —I congratulate Tłı̨chǫ Government for all their hard work. This partnership is another clear example of the National Housing Strategy at work for all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 

"Here in the Northwest Territories, communities require more safe and affordable housing for their residents. Through today's investment under the Rapid Housing Initiative, we are taking a significant step towards improving both access to housing and quality of life in the Tłı̨chǫ Region." - Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories 

“Real collaboration and reconciliation start with crafting shared solutions to shared problems. The Tłı̨chǫ Government is committed to working with our partners to help find solutions to the severe housing crisis in our region and this investment is good news for our communities. By working together, we can address housing issues, improve the housing situation in the Tłı̨chǫ Region, and build stronger communities.” - Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief George Mackenzie 

Quick facts: 

• Nationally, at 4,700 units, the RHI has exceeded its initial target of 3000 permanent affordable housing units thanks to the support of the provincial, territorial and municipal governments as well as Indigenous governing bodies. 
• The RHI has received significant interest from Indigenous groups, which resulted in nearly 40% of all units created under the program to be targeted to Indigenous peoples.  
• The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and others who are among the most vulnerable, including: women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2+, racialized groups, Black Canadians, and recent immigrants or refugees. 
• Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $70+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home—this includes more than $13 billion committed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement.