The federal government is committing $45 million to build 101 new homes in six Nunavut communities through the Rapid Housing Initiative, it was announced March 4.

The new units will be built in Kimmirut, Kugaaruk, Pond Inlet, Naujaat, Sanirajak and in IqaluitSA国际影视传媒檚 Joamie Court and Tundra Ridge areas. Homes will be prioritized for vulnerable women and children, as well as those who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless

Federal Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen, Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal and the territorial minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Lorne Kusugak made the announcement.

In terms of when these new homes will be built, the usual turnaround time for Rapid Housing Initiative homes is 12 months, said Hussen. However, due to NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 logistical challenges it could be longer than that.

SA国际影视传媒淭hese projects will do a lot of good,SA国际影视传媒� said Hussen, speaking from Toronto, noting the benefits it will bring to families in particular. SA国际影视传媒淭hese projects also built on our recent investments t0 support 670 home and households in Nunavut through the Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淓veryone in Canada deserves a place to call home, no matter where they live,SA国际影视传媒� said Vandal, speaking virtually from Winnipeg.

Kusugak thanked the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for its continued support for housing in the territory.

SA国际影视传媒淲e hope this funding signifies CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 continued support for Nunavummiut,SA国际影视传媒� said Kusugak. SA国际影视传媒楾his new funding will help cover or share the costs to provide 101 units.SA国际影视传媒�

Kusugak added that the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on construction projects in the territory, and this new funding will help overcome that.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Government of Nunavut intends to put these funds to good use during our construction season,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

While the minster is happy to see new funding, Kusugak estimates Nunavut would need about 3,000 new houses to address the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 housing crisis.

Following the March 4 announcement, Nunavut MP Lori Idlout said the federal announcement doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 go far enough in addressing the housing needs of Nunavummiut.

SA国际影视传媒淧eople in my riding of Nunavut are often forced to live in overcrowded dilapidated houses because of a lack of supply and high cost of rent. Despite the LiberalSA国际影视传媒檚 promises to address this housing crisis, six years later and Nunavummiut are no better off,SA国际影视传媒� said Idlout.