Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee will construct 15 housing units in Conklin through its Indigenous Housing Initiative. Swan River First Nation will build 17 units in Swan Hills.
Government of Alberta funding comes from the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP), which supports Indigenous governments and communities in building affordable off-reserve, off-settlement and on-settlement housing.
Other funding partners include Cenovus Energy.
Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen and Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon announced the contributions to the projects on behalf of the federal and provincial governments.
"No relationship is more important to our government than the one with Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to supporting better housing outcomes for Indigenous communities, through the creation of more affordable homes, just like those announced today. We will continue to work with our partners, like Swan River First Nation and the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee, to provide Indigenous communities in northern Alberta and across the province with homes that meet their needs. This is our government's National Housing Strategy at work." Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
"Homelessness is a reality for too many people in northern Alberta and we are working together with Indigenous and Metis governments and communities to ensure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. This investment, through the National Housing Strategy, will help our most vulnerable citizens and make a difference in the ongoing work to end homelessness and ensure housing affordability in Alberta and across the country." Randy Boissonnault, federal Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and MP for Edmonton Centre
"The Government of Alberta supports housing delivered and owned by, and for, Indigenous communities. Doing so in partnership with others is the essence of our Stronger Foundations affordable housing strategy. We will continue to pursue similar partnerships to support Metis and First Nation organizations and governments to build more affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples." Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing
"Safe, accessible and affordable housing is a priority for Alberta's government. These 32 units funded by the Indigenous Housing Capital Program provide tangible outcomes supporting this priority. I look forward to continued affirmative outcomes in partnership with Indigenous governments and communities." Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
"Alberta's government continues to offer increased recognition and supports to Indigenous Peoples throughout the province. I'm pleased to see that our government continues to focus on safe and affordable homes for Indigenous Peoples." Pat Rehn, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake
"The funding our community received has been helpful in alleviating housing problems at the Nation. The Nation has always faced the problem of having a shortage of housing and continuously looking for funding opportunities to build new houses." Rafi Khan, CEO, Swan River First Nation
"The funding our community will receive from IHCP will be nothing short of transformative. Our housing situation has been unacceptable for a long time. But we never stopped working with numerous stakeholders and officials to achieve a solution grounded in solid local planning. To know that the day is in sight where families, elders and people in need can finally move into a new home will be cause for celebration throughout our community." Valerie Quintal, director, Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee and president, Conklin Metis Local 193
"We've heard loud and clear from Indigenous communities in the areas where we operate that access to adequate housing is one of the most pressing issues they face. That's why Cenovus created its own $50-million Indigenous Housing Initiative to build new homes in six Indigenous communities in northern Alberta, including Conklin, and why we've committed to advocate for others in industry and government to do more on this issue. This announcement from the governments of Canada and Alberta demonstrates the kind of leadership that is required to address the housing crisis in Indigenous communities across Canada." Rhona DelFrari, chief sustainability officer and senior vice-president, Stakeholder Engagement, Cenovus
The IHCP ensures a flexible, autonomous approach and encourages public and private developers to partner with Indigenous governments and organizations to develop and construct affordable housing. The government accepts IHCP applications on a continuous basis at alberta.ca/ihcp.
Supporting community-driven projects to provide 32 affordable housing units in smaller communities is a key action under Alberta's Stronger Foundations affordable housing strategy and responds to the recommendations of the 2020 Affordable Housing Review Panel. Quick facts
*The governments of Alberta and Canada will provide
$4.9 million toward the projects.
*Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee's Indigenous Housing Initiative (15 units):
-Estimated total cost is $7.6 million.
o Alberta Social Housing Corporation (ASHC) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) - $4.4 million.
o Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee - $1.2 million
o Cenovus Energy - $2 million per year over five years, including this 15-lot subdivision and future housing projects with the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee.
*Swan River First Nation (renovation of 17 units, Swan Hills):
-Estimated total cost - $810,000
o ASHC and CMHC funding - $460,000
o Swan River First Nation - $350,000
Associated links
The Alberta Ministry of Seniors and Housing fosters the development of affordable housing and supports access to housing options for Albertans most in need. The ministry works with seniors, their families and caregivers, Albertans who require housing supports, and communities and other government partners. A more detailed description of the ministry and its programs and initiatives can be found at alberta.ca/ministry-seniors-housing.aspx.
Learn more about Alberta's affordable housing programs.
As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers, and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.
Editor's Note: This news release was also issued by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation on Oct. 7, 2022. Related information
*Stronger foundations affordable housing strategy
*Indigenous Housing Capital Program
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CENOVUS ENERGY INC. 
