AMC Responds to Manitoba Government’s Affordable Housing Announcement

October 8, 2024

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) welcomes today’s announcement by the Manitoba government and the Business Council of Manitoba to increase affordable housing in the province. The initiative, which provides $10 million in grant funding to support a new investment trust for affordable housing, aims to address the growing crisis of homelessness and inadequate housing, particularly for First Nations.

Speaking at the Business and Housing Summit held at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Acting Grand Chief Kennedy acknowledged the importance of today’s discussions and expressed the AMC’s commitment to ensuring that the voices and needs of First Nations are at the forefront of these efforts.

“Today’s announcement is a positive step forward in addressing the housing crisis affecting so many, especially our First Nations relatives,” said Acting Grand Chief Kennedy. “As First Nations, we hold a Treaty Right to Shelter—both on and off-reserve. However, the ongoing housing shortage, especially in urban centres, continues to displace our people and leave them vulnerable.”

Acting Grand Chief Kennedy emphasized that First Nations are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis due to a lack of affordable housing options and rising rents, noting that many First Nations individuals are forced to relocate from inadequate on-reserve housing to urban centres, where they face further instability. “The barriers our people face in urban centres, including a lack of rental history and affordable housing, particularly affect our youth and those who have been through the child welfare system,” she stated.

In her address, Acting Grand Chief Kennedy urged the provincial government and its partners to ensure that First Nations are included in meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts to address homelessness and housing insecurity. “The AMC brings critical expertise to these discussions, and we are ready to lead with practical solutions that reflect the unique needs of our AMC Member First Nations.”

Acting Grand Chief Kennedy concluded by calling for sustained collaboration between all parties involved to create long-lasting, effective solutions to the housing crisis. “Real change is possible when we work together to uphold our Treaty Rights and address the human right to shelter. We must ensure that this initiative is grounded in meaningful partnerships that include First Nations leadership in all stages of development and implementation.”

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Manitoba government, the Business Council of Manitoba, and other stakeholders to address the housing crisis and create safe, secure, and affordable housing options for all First Nations people.

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

NT5