Builders in the North could soon be called upon to construct new affordable-housing units.

The Government of Ontario announced on December 13 that it had created a new program to expand off-reserve housing to urban centres. This will give Indigenous people living in both large and small communities across the province better access to affordable housing and supports.

The Rural and Urban Indigenous Housing program will invest $8 million annually over five years to help create and maintain over 1,500 housing units.

"We know there are more Indigenous people moving to urban centres in the North and across the province," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "By providing support for Indigenous off-reserve housing, we can help more individuals and families find a place to call home."

This new agreement builds on the government's collaborative relationship with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, which will continue to work with the province over the next five years to help those who are the most in need.

More than 67 percent of Indigenous people in Ontario live in urban areas; 77 percent of First Nations people live off-reserve. The province is investing more than $21 million annually to help Indigenous individuals and families access off-reserve housing and services.

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services in particular provides safe and affordable housing to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living off-reserve in Ontario. The group works with approximately 40 Indigenous housing agencies to provide welcoming and culturally-appropriate homes and support services for Indigenous people.

"We are pleased to see the commitment from the province to support housing for Indigenous people living in urban and rural areas," said Sylvia Maracle, Chair of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Board of Directors. "The collaboration between the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is crucial in providing culturally-appropriate housing and services for Indigenous people."