Gov't injects 100K into WFN

The Westbank First Nation has received more than $100,000 from the federal government to go towards affordable housing on the reserve.

The Okanagan Indian Band will receive $90,777.

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced Wednesday an investment of more than $5.3 million as part of the year two funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for 49 First Nation communities in the Northern and Southern Regions of British Columbia.

Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with members of the Westbank First Nation community.

“Year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan demonstrates that our government remains committed to improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in British Columbia,” says Minister Day.

“Today’s investment will provide quality, affordable housing while creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.”

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over two years to help close to 500 First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC.

This investment is also providing an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

Some $63 million in federal investments through Canada’s Economic Action Plan will be made available to First Nations in British Columbia to address immediate housing needs.

Specifically, CMHC will allocate more than $5,350,000 to renovate and retrofit 460 housing units on-reserve in the Northern and Southern Regions of British Columbia.

“The retrofit of these homes is a step toward addressing our longstanding housing needs while helping us build housing for our community,” says Chief Robert Louie on behalf of the Westbank First Nation.

“These projects represent major life changes for families here on-reserve – and this opportunity would not have been possible without the support of the Government of Canada and our community would like to thank them.”

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.