Housing Summary The general consensus of the participants is that First Nations are at a crossroads. Many communities are losing their populations to urban centres and it is thought that one of the key reasons is the absence of adequate housing opportunities and supports. Federal housing programs have not achieved the desired outcome— improved quality and options for First Nations citizens. It is thought that while new funding and financing instruments will bring about a higher level of home ownership, it is critically important to offer a full suite of highly effective programs with full wrap-around social services to build a supportive housing environment and to provide a wide range of housing options for the whole spectrum of First Nations peoples. The engagement feedback indicates that First Nations in BC want a housing and infrastructure Authority that operates on a no-First-Nation-left-behind basis. The authority will offer a wide range of easily accessible, flexible and effective programs and services that First Nations can use as they see fit in their circumstances. There is a general consensus that the Authority should assume funding responsibilities and the delivery of all current housing programs and services, in spite of the widely held view that they are inadequate and often inappropriate. The Authority would then take on the task of analyzing the effectiveness of the programs and services, identifying the gaps, and developing new deliverables to improve the outcomes. Outstanding agreements will be transferred only with the support of the First Nation. The feedback shows strong support for the creation in building a First Nations housing sector that fosters lateral relationships. In this way First Nations can help each other through services such as shared professionals and mentorships. During the transition from government to the Authority, there must be a focus on programs and services to address planning and strategic thinking and bring all First Nations to a level of functionality where they can deliver adequate services to an agreed-upon standard and that during the transition there be no disruption of services. The role of government after transfer will be one of providing funding only. The government will not administer the distribution of that funding, design, or deliver programs and services. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) plays an important role in current housing programs. It will be critical that CMHC programs are transferred to the Authority to be delivered, amended, discontinued, and replaced, as necessary.
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