Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
April 2, 2014

The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and the Nunatsiavut Government:

Investment in Inuit Housing Supports Families and Communities

Provincial and Nunatsiavut Government Partnership Provides Homeowner Renovation Assistance

The Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments have committed $700,000 to assist low-income homeowners in Inuit communities who require immediate renovations to their homes. Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook provides $350,000 towards an equal partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government to assist low-income private homeowners in Nunatsiavut complete major renovations. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), joined Sarah Leo, President of Nunatsiavut, today in Nain to announce the one-time initiative developed in partnership with NLHC.

“We are very pleased to be able to partner with the Nunatsiavut Government on this initiative. As recently identified in the Inuit Housing Needs Assessment, this investment will help address some of the housing repair needs of Inuit residents in Inuit communities. We will continue to work with the Nunatsiavut Government to finalize details of the program and develop an initiative that will help ensure families can continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

The Housing Needs Assessment, funded equally by the Nunatsiavut, Provincial and Federal Governments, was carried out in each Labrador Inuit community during the fall of 2012. It identified individual and family housing needs of Nunatsiavut residents, and the need for improved housing in Nunatsiavut, in particular in the communities of Nain and Hopedale.

“Inadequate standards of housing and housing shortages continue to plague many of our communities, particularly Nain and Hopedale. The funding announced today will provide some assistance to homeowners who are unable to avail of existing programs to carry out badly needed renovations and repairs to their homes. The Nunatsiavut Government is pleased to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on this initiative as we continue to work on developing a long-term strategy to address the current housing crisis in our communities.”
- Sarah Leo, President of Nunatsiavut

Both governments are committed to seeking solutions which can provide the best possible housing options for seniors, families and individuals most in need.

"This investment captures the commitment of both governments to work collaboratively to advance initiatives that benefit individuals and families in Nunatsaivut. I believe that through continued partnerships and dialogue we can deliver programming that meets the cultural and geographic requirements of Inuit communities."
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook provides $350,000 towards a partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government to assist low-income private homeowners in Nunatsiavut complete major renovations.
• Since 2010, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has constructed eight new social housing units in Nain and Hopedale (four each) for a total investment of $1.8 million.
• In 2007, the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation allocated $2 million through the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust to the Nunatsiavut Government to address housing needs in the five Inuit communities. An additional $6 million was divided among the Nunatsiavut Government, the then-Federation of Newfoundland Indians, the then-Labrador Metis Nation; and, the Miawpukek First Nation, for an Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Repair Program.
• NLHC has 57 affordable social rental housing units in the Labrador Inuit communities of Nain (35), Hopedale (18) and Makkovik (4).

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2014 04 02                                       3:50 p.m.