Government of Canada invests an additional $130 million to improve housing conditions and affordability in Inuit communities

KUUJJUAQ, QC, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Government of Canada is focused on building more homes, strengthening communities, and creating the conditions for Canadians and Inuit to get ahead. That means working in partnership with Inuit to deliver housing solutions that reflect their priorities and meet the needs of their communities.

To that end, today, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced a top-up of $130 million in funding through the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy to support Inuit Treaty Organizations. These additional funds build on the $197.5 million already allocated, for a total of $327.8 million that Inuit Treaty Organizations are receiving under the Strategy to build more homes, as well as improve housing conditions and affordability for Inuit.

This investment will support various Inuit-led housing projects and supportive measures, including transitional housing, shelters, housing navigators, rent subsidies, short-term housing for students, and housing for vulnerable populations, as well as other housing supports.

Housing is fundamental to healthy, vibrant communities, and investments in Inuit housing are a critical part of the broader Build Canada agenda. Safe, sustainable homes give children and families stability, create opportunities for people to pursue education and employment, and help communities plan for the future. By supporting Inuit-led solutions to local housing challenges, these investments ensure Inuit can participate as full partners in building a stronger Canada.

The Government of Canada recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to housing. Through the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, we are supporting Inuit Treaty Organizations in developing housing solutions that reflect their own priorities, governance, culture, and community needs, including new housing construction, repairs and renovations, rental supports, emergency shelters, transitional housing, and housing for Elders and students.

Quotes

"Every Inuit community has unique housing needs, priorities, and vision for the future. That is why we are supporting Inuit-led solutions that put decision-making in the hands of Inuit partners and communities. This investment will help advance housing projects that reflect local priorities, strengthen community well-being, and create safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate homes for Inuit families and future generations."

The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"Safe, quality housing provides the stability families need to thrive and communities need to grow. We are proud to support Inuit-led housing approaches that put decision-making in the hands of Inuit partners and communities. Together, we are helping build stronger communities, expand economic opportunities, and improve the well-being of Inuit families across Inuit Nunangat."

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

"Homebuilding must move faster, with leadership rooted in distinctions–based approaches and fewer barriers on the ground--strengthening partnerships and delivering the homes Inuit communities need. This rebalanced approach preserves Inuit leadership, strengthens partnerships, and provides a simpler, more predictable path to deliver the homes communities need for generations to come."

The Honourable Gregor Robertson
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

"Inuit have demonstrated through a series of budgetary cycles that direct investment to rights-holding organizations is efficient and has greater impact in our communities. Impressive work is being carried out by our construction divisions – in terms of units built and in the ability of Inuit to make positive economic and social impacts thanks to direct, flexible investments like this one."

Natan Obed
President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

"We welcome this additional investment and Canada's recognition of the importance of Inuit leadership in housing. Housing is fundamental to the well-being of Inuit families and communities, and this funding creates new opportunities to advance our priorities. Our vision for the future of housing in Nunavik is a coherent, Inuit-led approach that reflects our realities and brings together the planning, construction, management and long-term care of our homes. We look forward to continuing our work with Canada to advance this vision."

Pita Aatami
President, Makivvik

Quick facts

• The Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy is a $4 billion federal investment to support Indigenous housing in urban, rural and northern communities, through a balance of Indigenous-led funding agreements and open, project-based funding for Indigenous housing projects.
• Close to $1.7 billion of the Strategy will be delivered by Build Canada Homes, the federal agency dedicated to building affordable housing, to support Indigenous housing providers serving urban, rural and northern areas.
• $130 million is being provided to Inuit Treaty Organizations for Inuit housing projects. In April 2026, Canada announced a $780 million top-up to the URN funding in the distinctions-based funding agreements. This provided an additional $130.5 million to the four Inuit Treaty Organizations over five years (2026–2031), in addition to the $197.5 million already allocated to them, bringing the total Inuit investment to $327.8 million.
• Funding of $130,268,447M over five years is allocated to Inuit Treaty Organizations using the general regional funding formula as follows:
  • $16,934,898 to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation;
  • $65,264,492 to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.;
  • $32,567,112 to Makivvik;
  • $15,501,945 to the Nunatsiavut Government.
• The funds allow Inuit Treaty Organizations to determine how best to provide housing for Inuit, no matter where they live in Canada.
• This initiative will augment current investments to support more housing, including shelter and transitional spaces, more minor and major repairs, and more affordability supports to students and vulnerable individuals and families.
• Makivvik is already undertaking various housing initiatives with the Urban, Rural, Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy funding, including a transitional house for women and children in Montreal, and an associated rental assistance program to support women and children who access the shelter in Montreal.

Associated links

Delivering on Funding for Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing

Build Canada Homes

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

For more information, media may contact: Alec Wilson, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, [email protected]; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, [email protected]