Presidents from the Métis National Council governing members signed a Housing Sub-Accord with the federal government at the General Assembly of the Métis National Council: PCMNO Secretary-Treasurer Tim Pile, MNO Chair France Picotte, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MNO President Margaret Froh, PCMNO Region 1 Councilor Theresa Stenlund and PCMNO Region 4 Councilor Ernest Gatien.
SASKATOON, Sask.- Governing Member Presidents from the Métis National Council, including the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), signed the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord with the federal government at the General Assembly of the Métis National Council.
MNO President Margaret Froh and Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, were among those who signed the Housing Sub-Accord in Saskatoon, Sask.
This is the second Sub-Accord under the Canada-Métis Nation Accord signed in 2017. Earlier this year, a similar Sub-Accord was signed on skills and employment. Both housing and employment and training were year-one priorities under the Canada-Métis Nation Accord.
The Housing Sub-Accord, which was co-developed by the Métis Nation and federal government, gives the governing members of the Métis Nation control over the design, delivery and administration of housing services. The federal government's 2018 budget outlined a $500 million investment over 10 years to support the Métis Nation's housing strategy.
"This new Sub-Accord means a greater investment in housing funds for Métis in Ontario and more opportunities to address the wide ranging needs of our citizens," stated President Froh.
"With new investments in housing, the Métis Nation of Ontario can build capacity and programs that will help those most in need," she added.
According to the federal government, nearly one in five Indigenous people live in housing that needs major repairs and one in five live in housing that is overcrowded.
"The agreement is one step in demonstrating our government's commitment to a renewed relationship with the Métis Nation-one based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. I look forward to continued dialogue supporting the interests and aspirations of the Métis Nation and those of all Canadians," said Minister Bennett.
MNO currently delivers housing programs through Infinity Property Services, which is an agency of the MNO. For more information, visit its website at http://www.infinitypropertyservices.ca.
