Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee on April 1st, 2022

[Alvina Paul]

The timeline in regard to the rapid housing was quite aggressive. It was a shovel-ready project that we had to come up with in a day or two. A lot more planning needs to be done in the sense of constructing and providing housing.

We were fortunate enough that we did have two lots that we combined to build the three units on, but those were basically our last two lots within our current standing community subdivisions. To be able to build the new subdivision currently, with the funding for that also from the Infrastructure Bank.... It was a bit laborious for our staff.

[Patrick Weiler, Liberal, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Thanks for that. That's very useful feedback.

Maybe I'll ask my last question, as my time's running out. With a number of these projects moving ahead, it seems like a lot to be doing at once. I'm wondering if there is the capacity within the nation to ensure that those housing projects are going to be built by the nation or by indigenous-owned businesses to ensure that a lot of the economic impact from that construction will be held within the nation.

[Alvina Paul]

Can you repeat that, Patrick? I'm sorry.

[Patrick Weiler, Liberal, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

With all these projects moving ahead at the same time, is there confidence that the construction activities will be able to be led by the businesses owned by shíshálh Nation?

[Alvina Paul]

Yes. Our apartments' prime contractor is an external contractor, but we have subcontractors who are all nation contractors doing the foundation, the siding and the framing of the new duplexes for the rapid housing projects. We hope to continue with that once the Selma Park subdivision is ready for construction also.

The challenge with that will be the funding for any of our nation members to be able to afford a mortgage on their own for those new lots coming.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

Thank you.

[Alvina Paul]

That's the next challenge.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

Perhaps you'll have a chance to expand on that, Councillor Paul.

Thank you, Mr. Weiler.

Ms. Bérubé, you have the floor for six minutes.

[Sylvie Bérubé, Bloc, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Since we began this study, the witnesses we are hearing have said that the housing shortage is the root cause of the challenges facing first nations. They have stated that, despite the formidable challenge and the many obstacles to addressing the housing construction and renovation shortfall in the various indigenous communities, the government already has the solutions in its hands.

Some chiefs and indigenous organizations have said that, in order to implement the solutions, the federal government needs to roll out a comprehensive strategy with a plan and process to get there. Others have told us that first nations should be allowed to have individual strategies, because not all first nations have the same needs.

What do you think? I'd like to hear more from you about strategies and solutions to address the housing shortage in your communities.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

The question is addressed to both of you.

President Clayton, perhaps you could start, and then we'll go to Councillor Paul.

[Eva Clayton]

Thank you.

Thank you for the ability to comment. Nisga'a Nation has been having strategic housing sessions with all of our communities. Out of that strategic housing planning, we came forward with one plan that would benefit the nation. From that strategic plan, it would become an operational plan. I do believe that, working with our treaty partners, we can do that strategic planning and present government to government.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

Go ahead, Councillor Paul.

[Alvina Paul]

With regard to the programs and the funding, they have some red tape. We've had to create a society—this is from B.C. Housing—for our house of clans.

For us to be able to proceed with our structures for housing to better our nation members is very important to me. Yes, we are unique. We are a self-governing nation. We are also recognized as a municipality. To be able to move forward and provide affordable housing for our community members is of the utmost importance to me and my community. To be able to build programs, which we currently are....

At the moment, we are redrafting our housing policy, as it is outdated. It's from the eighties and it's been amended once. I think it was done in 1991. We have external consultants coming in to help us better our position to bring these programs to life.

I hope that answers your question.

[Sylvie Bérubé, Bloc, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Thank you, ladies.

You talked earlier about funding programs that you have. You also said that you have advisors who will update your policies.

Do you currently have any solutions being implemented? Are they being promoted in your community based on your needs?

We know very well that subsequent investments from the federal government are not materializing to implement solutions. In your opinion, what's keeping these funds from being transferred?

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

President Clayton, would you start?

[Eva Clayton]

The obstacles to funding, first and foremost, at the heart of the nation are the amount of funding that is required for us to fully meet the needs of the nation. It has to be sufficient and it has to be sustainable. We are receiving funding over a four-year period, with a goal to construct 195 new homes in four communities and to renovate 160 homes in the four communities. It's all about the ability to do that within the funding.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

Councillor Paul, did you want to speak to that?

[Alvina Paul]

I can provide comment. Thank you.

The solutions that we have are to create affordable housing for people who need supported housing or subsidized housing. As we all know, the standards and the rentals on the Sunshine Coast.... From a study done about five or six years ago, the Sunshine Coast has the second-highest rate of rentals in Canada, so rent is no different from living in the Lower Mainland in Vancouver. You can rent a one-bedroom suite here for about $1,700, which is by far far out of reach for most people, even non-nation community members of the Sunshine Coast. The standard [Technical difficulty—Editor].

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

Councillor, you've gone on mute.

[Alvina Paul]

I'm sorry about that.

For a living wage for the Sunshine Coast, the average person needs to earn $19.65 per person for a family that has two children and both parents working to be able to afford any sort of rent in Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

Thank you, Ms. Bérubé.

Ms. Idlout, you have six minutes.

[Lori Idlout, NDP, Nunavut, NU]

Qujannamiik. Thank you so much.

Welcome, President Clayton and Councillor Paul.

Normally, I start in Inuktitut, in my language, but I'm quite emotional today. With permission from my interpreter, Simona, I want to acknowledge her. She is very important to me, not just because she provides interpretation so that I can speak in Inuktitut. Today is very important because Simona is a former student of residential schools. I really need to acknowledge her in light of Pope Francis's apology this morning.

I just wanted to make sure I gave the space to share my respect. She's been an important leader in my community. It's such an honour to have her as my interpreter so that I can speak in Inuktitut.

Having shared that moment, I'll ask my first question in English. Then I'll revert back to Inuktitut, the way I normally do.

President Clayton and Councillor Paul, perhaps you could both answer this. During this study, witnesses have argued that not only is existing funding for housing insufficient, but there also is a need to support employment, training and capacity building to address housing needs. Does the federal funding you receive for housing meet the needs of your communities? If not, could you describe the gaps between what is needed and what is received?

Qujannamiik.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

President Clayton, will you start, please?

[Eva Clayton]

Thank you.

Thank you for the question. All my respect to you.

The existing funding that the nation has received for four communities over a four-year period is viewed as insufficient, but we are thankful for it. It's insufficient because of the rising cost of lumber to build the homes. It's incredibly high. That is really the big obstacle.

As for the building of the homes, the nation has been training our people over the years to get into the business of building homes and to become subcontractors. Our people have been building their homes for quite some time now within each community, and it's organized. We have some members who are subcontractors. The biggest obstacle is the rising cost of living and lumber.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Garneau]

Go ahead, Councillor Paul.