Moose Cree to encourage home ownership on reserve

Moose Cree First Nation has signed on to a housing fund program to help community members buy or build homes on reserve.
“The First Nations Market Housing Fund has provided us with an excellent opportunity for better housing along with the capacity development needed to sustain employment for our people,” said Moose Cree Chief Norm Hardisty. “Our hats go off to the Government of Canada and CMHC (Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation) in creating a partnership between Moose Cree First Nation and the fund. This partnership can only improve living conditions for the people of Moose Cree and address the housing backlog we have experienced for decades.”
Moose Cree and Serpent River First Nation, who also signed on to the program, will be using the funds to help community members buy or build homes on their reserves. They will also offer members the chance to renovate their homes with access to loan financing on their communal lands.
“These communities are quite different in location, size and population, yet they are similar in their drive to strengthen their housing and indeed their communities, with the support of the fund,” said John Beaucage, chair of the First Nations Market Housing Fund. “This is further demonstration of the fund’s wide appeal to First Nations across Canada, including those in rural and remote locations.”
The First Nations Market Housing Fund was established by the Government of Canada through CMHC to give First Nation members greater access to housing loans on reserve and on settlement lands, where appropriate. The $300 million fund became operational in May 2008.