Thank you for the question. It's very important.
We've had an opportunity to work with both the AMC and MMF a few years ago looking at aboriginal mobility into Winnipeg. We tracked 600 people over three years from 125 different communities in this province into Winnipeg. Over that three-year period, 50% of those in the project were unable to secure housing over the long term; we had repeat movement.
I say to people all the time that in the Canadian context, now that 50% of the indigenous population is living in cities, it's a distinctive pattern that we begin to see, because you can't understand homelessness in Winnipeg without understanding the complex interrelationships that people have with multiple locations and communities. At one time we argued that we have provincial shelter allowance rates, yet a family member will come into Winnipeg, stay with a family, and the family will receive nothing for accommodating that person. In fact, their presence in the community here is important, but nobody.... We're not getting innovative.
A good example—and again, I just try to provide best practice examples here—is the Eagle Urban Transition Centre that was established to be a go-between for those moving into Winnipeg from rural northern and remote communities. As you know, each of those geographies has distinct needs.
Let me also state quickly that we know that homelessness costs the economy billions of dollars. If we can build some housing and provide better additional services, we can have a transformative impact. Peguis First Nation is working on a land acquisition strategy. They're purchasing assets in Winnipeg to fund housing. There are innovative ideas across the country where first nations are becoming economic powerhouses and trying to transform themselves. Peguis and Long Plain in Winnipeg are some great examples of where economic enterprise is changing lives, along with education.
I do think there's a lot, but we're nowhere near it. But again, in Winnipeg a tremendous number of indigenous-based organizations have ideas. Urban Eagle Transition Centre is a great best practice, as well as the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. All these organizations, for decades...including Kinew Housing, that since 1970 has been providing local solutions.
Help fund them.