Addressing First Nations' Housing Needs

New in Canada's Economic Action Plan

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government is providing $400 million over the next two years to support on-reserve housing. The initiative targets new social housing projects, remediation of the existing social housing stock and complementary housing activities. 

About the Program

These funds will flow through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). Of the total amount, $250 million will be delivered through CMHC over two years to create new on-reserve housing ($125 million) and to repair and renovate existing federally assisted on-reserve social housing ($125 million). 

The INAC on-reserve housing investment of $150 million will assist the transition to market-based housing on-reserve and address immediate housing needs. 

This investment will provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations communities and rural areas through new jobs, new small businesses and a more skilled workforce. 

How It Works

The CMHC funding for new construction will be initially allocated to regions through the National First Nations Housing Liaison Committee, made up of representatives from CMHC, INAC and the Assembly of First Nations. The individual First Nation will determine household eligibility and contribute to ongoing project operating costs. 

CMHC funding for remediation work will also be initially allocated through the Liaison Committee, based on the proportion of existing CMHC-assisted housing in each region. Eligible projects include repairs, modernization, improvements, regeneration and redevelopment, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and housing-related modifications for persons with disabilities, including additional bedrooms to address overcrowding. It will not include funding for ongoing or routine maintenance. 

The INAC on-reserve housing investment of $150 million will support new construction of high-density developments (e.g., town houses and apartment buildings), lot servicing, renovation of social and market-based housing, and facilitate the transition of band-owned units to market-based housing. 

Who Is Eligible

Under the CMHC program, new construction funding is available to First Nations who are eligible for a Ministerial Loan Guarantee. Remediation funding is available for existing housing for which a First Nation has entered into an agreement with CMHC under the On-Reserve Non-Profit Rental Housing Program. 

For the INAC portion of the funding, a call for proposals was launched on April 27, 2009. Any on-reserve First Nations community may apply. 

How to Find Out More

For more information, visit the CMHC website or contact a CMHC regional office.

For more information on the INAC funding, visit the INAC website at or contact an INAC regional office.

Find a Project Near You

This initiative helps fund the project(s) listed below. Select a project to learn more.

For more information on the Economic Action Plan initiatives, follow the links below:

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•  Projects Map