December 11, 2009
Manitoba, MMF Reach First Métis Housing Agreement In Western Canada
– – –645 Housing Units To be Renewed Under New Deal
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) will be able to renew up to 645 public housing units in rural, northern, and remote Manitoba communities under an historic new agreement reached with the Manitoba government, the first of its kind in western Canada, Premier Greg Selinger and MMF president David Chartrand announced today.
This unique agreement will allow the MMF to co-ordinate and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation of public housing in rural and remote communities across Manitoba.
“This landmark agreement will enable the MMF to invest in public housing where it is most needed by families and the communities,” said Selinger. “Our new initiative will also provide a framework for potential future funding arrangements with respect to housing.”
“The Métis family is the bedrock of our Métis Nation and proper housing enables our families to have a good start in raising our children and grandchildren,” Chartrand said. “This partnership with the province builds on the strengths that the MMF has already proven in this industry over the years.”
Today’s announcement provides for $4.3 million to flow to the Community Housing Managers of Manitoba (CHMM), a subsidiary of the MMF, to renovate up to 645 public housing units which are currently managed by the CHMM on behalf of Manitoba Housing. The investment is expected to create an estimated 51 full-time jobs, 23 of which will be direct construction jobs.
Today’s agreement builds on the foundation that was established by a property management agreement which was signed 15 years ago. The new deal modernizes the working relationship and responds to today’s needs and to changing times, said Selinger and Chartrand.
This investment is part of the provincial and federal government’s $327-million, two-year investment plan and falls under HOMEWorks!, Manitoba’s long-term housing strategy. Under this initiative, there are eight priority areas including affordable housing options for northern Manitobans and urban Aboriginals.
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The Government of Manitoba is distributing this news release on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and The Manitoba Métis Federation.