The 2016 federal budget will provide funding to help address the ongoing housing crisis, as well as offset the rising cost of living in Nunatsiavut, says President Sarah Leo.
“We are pleased that the budget has set aside $15 million over two years for affordable housing for Nunatsiavut,” says President Sarah Leo. “Although further investments are needed, this is a good first step in helping us deal with the serious housing crisis in our communities, particularly in Nain and Hopedale. We look forward to learning further details on how this money will be distributed and under what conditions. We also look forward to working with the Government of Canada in identifying further ways to deal with the ongoing housing crisis.”
The budget proposes to provide $64.5 million over five years, starting in 2016–17, and $13.8 million per year ongoing to expand Nutrition North Canada – a national program which provides residents in northern isolated communities with improved access to perishable nutritious foods. As well, the Northern Residents Deduction will increase from $16.50 to $22 for residents of Nunatsiavut.
The budget also proposes to invest $168.2 million over two years for cultural and recreational infrastructure, as well as up to $500 million over five years for a new program to extend and enhance broadband services in rural and remote communities.
“While we are cautiously optimistic, we anticipate more positive news for Nunatsiavut as specific details of the budget are released in the weeks ahead,” adds President Leo.