Housing Services & Infrastructure Investments

Overview of Funding for First Nations Housing

Through funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Government of Canada Indigenous investments, significant resources have been allocated to support housing, infrastructure, and essential services in First Nation communities.

In 2016–2017, new funding of $137.7 million over two years was delivered to First Nations through CMHC, with a completion date of March 1, 2017.

CMHC Housing Support Programs

First Nations can access up to 10 different CMHC programs, each offering targeted funding for housing repair, improvement, and youth training:

1. Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP – Regular) – up to $60,000

2. RRAP for Persons with Disabilities – up to $60,000

3. Emergency Repair Program (ERP) – up to $20,000

4. Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence (HASI) – up to $10,000

5. RRAP – Secondary/Garden Suites – up to $60,000

6. RRAP – Conversion Projects – up to $60,000

7. RRAP – Rental Units – up to $60,000

8. Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP) – up to $60,000

9. Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth (HIIFNIY) – Internship opportunities ranging from 8 weeks to 2 years

10. On-Reserve Retrofit Program – up to $60,000

Additionally, First Nations continue to benefit from Section 95 housing programs, supporting construction and ongoing maintenance of community housing.

Federal Indigenous Infrastructure Investments

As part of Budget 2016, the Government of Canada committed major investments to improve social infrastructure and essential services in First Nations communities:

Housing & Social Infrastructure

• $554.3 million over two years to improve housing in First Nations communities

• $1.2 billion over five years to support social infrastructure, including:

  • Quality housing

  • Early learning and childcare

  • Health care services

  • Cultural and recreational facilities

Water & Wastewater Infrastructure

• $1.8 billion over five years to support clean drinking water and wastewater treatment on reserve

• $2.24 billion over five years for:

  • Upgrades to on-reserve water infrastructure

  • Wastewater management and waste disposal systems

• $141.7 million over five years to improve monitoring and testing of community drinking water

• $409 million over five years to enhance on-reserve waste management systems

Community Infrastructure

• $255 million over two years to support additional infrastructure, including:

  • Roads and bridges

  • Energy systems

  • Broadband connectivity

  • Fire protection services

  • Climate-resilient infrastructure for natural disaster mitigation