I’m pleased to join with you today as we announce the launch of the Tipi Mitawa Aboriginal Homeownership Pilot Program.
This unique partnership will allow First Nations people living in urban centres in Manitoba to have a greater opportunity to own their homes and improve their lives.
Tipi Mitawa First Nations have demonstrated their commitment towards their people through this program. Everyone here today can appreciate the benefits of market-based housing, and how it will improve the lives of families across Canada.
Through its financial support, our government is working with the province of Manitoba to address immediate housing pressures faced by Aboriginal people living off-reserve. This is only one of the many ways in which we are taking action to address the challenges confronted by Aboriginal Canadians so that they can enjoy a better quality of life.
In Budget 2006, our government made an investment of $1.4 billion in housing trusts for affordable housing, northern housing and housing for Aboriginal people living off-reserve. Of this amount, over $61.5 million was allocated to Manitoba and Tipi Mitawa will benefit from this funding today.
The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing more available for Aboriginal families in Manitoba and across Canada. This initiative will make more homes available for First Nations people living in Manitoba’s cities and serve as a model for First Nations communities across the country who are looking for new ways to help their members enjoy greater access to homeownership.
We are doing so much more in communities across this province. Through the Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Program, more than $36 million has been allocated to create more affordable housing.
We also provide approximately $2 billion a year in housing assistance to support some 630,000 households across the country. For the people of Manitoba, this means more than $122 million annually, in support of some 41,350 households.
This funding will be an investment for the people of Manitoba for years to come.
In a few moments, we will hear from a special guest — Alisha Bigelow. Alisha is the first applicant and she will share with us what today’s announcement will mean for her and her two children. And that’s why the Tipi Mitawa Pilot Program is so important.
Posted by Moishe Alexander CEO of the Canadian Funding Corp.
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