AMC Responds to the Government of Manitoba’s Announcement to Address Chronic Homelessness with a New Whole-of-Government Strategy
March 1, 2023
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is optimistic about the provincial announcement of the whole-of-government strategy, a Place for Everyone. Today, Families Minister Rochelle Squire announced the strategy to invest $126 million into existing services, deliver 24-7 access to shelters, fund social housing, and introduce new wrap-around services.
“The work N’Dinawemak has done in just two years has been monumental in Manitoba,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “With the financial investment of the provincial government, we will be developing a plan for transitional housing, a 24-7 safe space, a service hub, and to continue to provide First Nations-led emergency shelter.”
This new strategy sets out to address the root cause of homelessness in a holistic way, and the strategy recognizes the complex issue of homelessness and the community required to address the issue. Funding existing services and bringing community-based organizations and First Nations leadership to the table can support and begin to address all determinants of homelessness. Seven hundred new social housing units have been promised to be built this year by Minister Rochelle Squires. The Manitoba government is also planning to increase their maintenance budget for existing social housing stock to support the repair of vacant rental units and unit upgrades.
“We are very pleased to see N’Dinawemak’s important work being recognized by this provincial government,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “This funding is vital in keeping the doors open to the 24-hour shelter, and I look forward to the progress we can make together as Manitobans for the betterment of our most vulnerable citizens.”
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) people.