Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver –The First Nations Leadership Council, Government of Canada, and Province of B.C. today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreeing to work together to develop a comprehensive approach to improve housing for First Nations communities, individuals and families both on and off reserve.
“Nothing is more important to First Nations individuals than having a healthy, high-quality environment in which to live,” said Chief Judith Sayers, First Nations Summit Task Group member. “For too long our people have lived in substandard, unhealthy homes which affect our physical and emotional well being. We need comprehensive, strategic action to address the critical housing crisis First Nations in BC are facing.”
This agreement will acknowledge that working in partnership is necessary to overcome barriers and to address the housing gaps between First Nations people and other British Columbians. It will also commit to exploring innovative approaches to improve housing and infrastructure for First Nations, individuals and families, including housing programs currently in place, and set out an initial framework for the collaborative development of interlinked on and off reserve housing strategies.