An update on Housing by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) was part of the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) Political Liaison agenda on Monday December 12th.

The COO Director of Communications, Chris Hoyos, presented the update on the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the transfer of care and control of housing.

Hoyos explained that ISC has a mandate to transfer the care and control of housing as well as related infrastructure programs to First Nations. He said that ISC wants to get out of the business of providing programs and services and simply transfer the funds allowing First Nations to spend the money as they deem necessary.

However, before he got too far into the presentation, several councillors had questions, about the money being provided. Councillor Audrey Powless-Bomberry asked Hoyos how much money was being given to First Nations in Ontario for housing. And Councillor Greg Frazer requested information regarding previously stated budget numbers compared to actual costs for First Nations housing in Canada.

Hoyos also stated that there is no set timeline on when this transfer would begin or be completed. However, he did speculate that it may be somewhere between ten to fifteen years.

You can find out more by going to the SNEC FaceBook page to watch the entire presentation.

Listen to the report below.