Letter to the Editor - MOU signed to help improve housing

A historic Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) was signed by government officials on May 21 to develop a comprehensive approach for improving housing for BC's First Nations communities, individuals and families both on and off reserve.
The three parties involved in the deal were the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council who all promise a joint effort to ensuring the approach is carried through effectively. Actual signatories to the MOU, however, were Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Province of BC, First Nations Summit, BC Assembly of First Nations, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
"Our Government's goal is to provide First Nations with the same housing opportunities as other Canadians," said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians.
"This MOU is the first step in establishing key partnerships and setting out the initial framework to explore innovative approaches to improve access to quality housing."
The agreement entails that a committee will be formed in the next three months to develop a plan for interlinked on and off reserve housing strategies in support of First Nations individuals and families.
The committee will have representatives from the federal, provincial, and First Nations governments who will then meet every year to discuss the progress made on improving housing.
While the Government of Canada delivers housing programs for on-reserve First Nations through Indian and Northern Affairs and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the province supports First Nation housing off-reserve.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of housing in improving the lives of all individuals and families. This MOU demonstrates our commitment to develop effective housing solutions for First Nations in British Columbia," said the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.