Housing

A row of the Tipi Village at the Saskatchewan National Event

Current Reality

Sept. 22, 2022: The 2021 census finds about 17.1 per cent of Indigenous people live in crowded homes, and 16.4 per cent live in homes in need of major repairs with the worst conditions on the prairies. Manitoba had 36 per cent of its First Nations population living in crowded housing, with 29 per cent in housing in need of serious repairs. In Saskatchewan, the figure came in at 34 per cent and 25 per cent.

Other facts (not from the census):

  • One in five Indigenous people who live off-reserve are homeless or live in overcrowded, unsafe or inadequate housing.
  • A new Statistics Canada study, commissioned by The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) Project and funded by Indigenous Services Canada finds that mortality and morbidity related to fire, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning Indigenous Peoples are:
    • over five times more likely to die in a fire.
    • That number increases to over 10 times for First Nations people living on reserves
    • Inuit are over 17 times more likely to die in a fire than non-Indigenous people
    • Rates among Métis were higher than non-Indigenous estimates (2.1), but these rates were not significantly different.
  • There is no national fire protection code that mandates fire safety standards or enforcement on reserves. All other jurisdictions in Canada including provinces, territories, and other federal jurisdictions (such as military bases, airports, and seaports) have established building and fire codes.

Inuit

Throughout their traditional homelands, Inuit face an acute housing crisis which threatens their health and safety. This persistent and growing housing shortage has been characterized as one of the most significant public health emergencies in this country. Severe overcrowding, substandard homes, and a lack of affordable and suitable housing options has left many Inuit families one step away from homelessness; an unsettling reality in one of the harshest climates in the world. In Nunavik alone, over half of Inuit families live in overcrowded housing. In far too many communities, up to 15 people, including young children, live in small and crumbling three bedroom units. The effect of these conditions, on children in particular, is deeply troubling. Overcrowding results in higher levels of domestic violence and abuse, placing children in unacceptably vulnerable situations.

The lack of decent and affordable housing continues to have serious public health repercussions throughout the Inuit territories. Tuberculosis, which is rare in southern Canada, occurs among Inuit at a rate over 250 times higher than for non-Indigenous Canadians. Inuit families are at higher risk for mental health problems, including stress and anxiety. High levels of respiratory infections among Inuit children, such as chronic lung disease after lower respiratory tract infections, are also linked to crowding and poorly ventilated homes.

“We can do better: Housing in Inuit Nunangat”. Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, 2017

First Nations

The substandard and deplorable housing conditions in First Nations are a persistent and growing phenomenon. Current housing programs do not meet the increasing demand of new housing units brought on by the higher than average population growth, overcrowding, and deteriorating units as a result of poor construction and impacts from mold. Between 2010 and 2031, it is estimated that there will be a backlog of 130,000 units, 44% of the existing units will require major repairs and 18% will require replacement.

National First Nations Housing Strategy, October 11, 2016, Ottawa

Featured Updates


Government Commitments


Explore by Themes


Federal Budgets

Read more


Government Programs

Read more


Govt. Housing Programs

Read more


Homelessness

Read more


Indigenous Housing Reports

Read more


Urban Indigenous Housing Srategy

Read more


Current Problems


Explore by Themes


Federal Budgets

Read more


Fire Protection on Reserves

Read more


Government Programs

Read more


Govt. Housing Programs

Read more


Homelessness

Read more


Indigenous Housing Reports

Read more


Urban Indigenous Housing Srategy

Read more


Background Content


Explore by Themes


Fire Protection on Reserves

Read more


Homelessness

Read more


Housing in Inuit Nunangat

Read more


Indigenous Housing Reports

Read more


Indigenous-led Initiatives

Read more


Indigenous Success Stories