MNO Housing Services Enhanced
Thunder Bay, ON - Gary Lipinski President of the Métis Nation of Ontario says a Memorandum of Understanding signed today in Thunder Bay with the Metis Nation of Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and the Province of Ontario will have a positive impact on the lives of Métis citizens and their families in the province.
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The Ontario Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust Report was prepared by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, the MNO and the Ontario Native Women’s Association to present the results of the Ontario provincial OAHT engagement process findings; and to provide the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with policy recommendations for the design, delivery and allocation of the OAHT Fund. |
"The agreement will see MNO working with service providers like OFIFC and ONWA in the administering of a $60 million dollar housing program for low-income Aboriginal households in the province," President Lipinski said. "This opportunity to promote self-reliance for Métis peoples is consistent with the traditional values and new priorities the MNO has undertaken in the past year," he added.
According to MNO Secretary Treasurer and Housing Portfolio Holder Tim Pile of Thunder Bay, "Both MNO citizens and Housing Branch staff are pleased they will finally have access to monies to assist first time home buyers and be in a position to consider proposals for seniors and transitional housing."
The program being announced today is the result of extensive community engagement and consultation across the province. The funding will be managed by an all Aboriginal Board specifically for the benefit of off reserve Aboriginal peoples.
The MNO Housing Branch currently manages nearly 600 properties in Thunder Bay and North Bay. The Branch employs four technical experts, a certified Information Technical (IT) representative and maintenance staff and is well respected for its history of professional and efficient financial management.
For more information, contact:
Robynn Maluga | MNO Housing Branch , Thunder Bay
P: 807-626-9300 ext 23 |
