Canada NewsWire
SASKATOON, SK, Dec. 3, 2021
SASKATOON, SK, Dec. 3, 2021 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada's recovery, as people and communities—including Saskatoon still have challenges in finding safe and affordable housing.
Today, George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors, along with Marv Friesen, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatoon Riversdale, on behalf of the Honourable Lori Carr, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and Councillor Hillary Gough on behalf of Mayor Charlie Clark, City of Saskatoon, announced a $2.29 million investment from the federal government to build the Round Prairie Elders' Lodge. This will include 26 housing units for Indigenous Elders, with 13 of those units intended for low-income women, including women with children and grandchildren.
This investment by the Government of Canada was made possible by the National Housing Strategy's (NHS) National Housing Co-investment Fund (NHCF).
The 3-storey apartment building is located at 412 Avenue P South in the Pleasant Hill Village area in Saskatoon. All 26 independent living units are energy-efficient and incorporate full universal design to help residents 'age-in-place'. Capital funding was provided by the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, Indigenous Services Canada, as well as the City of Saskatoon, through the Saskatchewan Co-Investment Program.
On-site support services will address the mental health of Elders by promoting social inclusion and access to various counselling services if requested. The physical health of Elders will be addressed by Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) providing proper nutrition, exercise classes and access to medical personnel. Spiritual health will be accessed through the on-site multi-faith/ceremony room and overall health will improve through social inclusion, safety, security and an overall improvement in the quality of life for residents.
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"Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, our government is investing in affordable housing here in Saskatoon and across Canada to help create jobs and improve quality of life for those who need it most. Thanks to today's announcement, Indigenous Elders in Saskatoon now have access to affordable homes. This is the National Housing Strategy in action." – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
"Taking care of our Elders is an important priority of our Métis Government in Saskatchewan. We are proud of everyone working together to make this invaluable project happen and gratified to have been a partner in seeing it come to fruition. The affordable and accessible Elders' Lodge serves as a space of comfort that allows our Elders to age in a home where cultural and traditional ways can be practiced." – Glen McCallum, President of Métis Nation – Saskatchewan
"We are very excited to have the Round Prairie Elders Lodge opening in the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood. It's been two decades in the making and our Elders finally have a place to call home. For years we have seen our Elders struggle and make decisions between rent and other essentials such as medicine or food. CUMFI is proud to help in this small way to overcome these issues and we will continue to work for our Elders and people. By working collaboratively with the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, this Lodge is now a reality." – Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.
"We know how difficult this pandemic has been for seniors, who have experienced higher rates of social isolation and loneliness as a result of the public health measures. The pandemic also shone light on the importance of access to affordable housing, especially for our most vulnerable populations. In light of this, the Government of Canada is committed to providing seniors a safe a Canada is committed to providing seniors a safe and affordable place to call home. With today's announcements, Indigenous Elders of Saskatoon will have the opportunity to age in their community and the access to services that foster healthy aging and social inclusion." – The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors
"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to building strong families, strong communities and a strong province, and part of this commitment includes investing in housing for people in need. We look forward to continuing our work with our valued partners and finding more opportunities to develop housing initiatives that support Saskatchewan residents in greatest housing need." – The Honourable Lori Carr, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
"On behalf of the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative (IHII) Steering Committee members, I offer congratulations to the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. on the successful implementation of its Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative project to provide culturally relevant accommodations for Métis Elders. The steering committee saw the importance of this project - particularly the welcoming gathering space where residents can connect and build community." – Sean Willy, Indigenous Home Innovation Initiative (IHII), Indigenous Steering Committee
"This project represents a turning point for housing in our community. The welcoming Indigenous design creates homes that residents can feel a sense of true belonging while reflecting the teachings and traditions of this place. I am proud that the City of Saskatoon has been a partner in this project and congratulate CUMFI and all of the partners on all of the hard work to make this exciting project happen." – Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon
"This investment will provide secure, affordable, and quality housing for Indigenous Elders in Saskatoon, allowing residents to continue living in their community and improving their quality of life. Through the National Housing Strategy, our government will continue to invest in projects that will deliver affordable housing for those who need it most, so that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home." – George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview
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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
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