STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.

Trudeau unveils housing agreement in Iqaluit to address housing crisis

Aug 2, 2019 | 7:37 AM

IQALUIT, Nunavut — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government has reached a new housing agreement with Nunavut to help address the housing crisis across the territory.

Speaking in Iqaluit, Trudeau says the agreement marks a big step forward that will create “thousands” of homes and have a tangible impact on the lives of people in the North.

He says Nunavut is facing a deepening housing crisis where overcrowded homes are putting the health, safety and well-being of families at risk.

Trudeau made the announcement alongside Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq and Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern.

The new agreement, which involves both the federal and territorial governments, will provide $290 million in targeted funding over eight years to “protect, renew and expand” social and community housing, as well as repair and build affordable homes across the territory.

The government says Nunavut needs more than 3,000 units to meet its current housing demand, with over 4,900 individuals on waiting lists for public housing.

The Canadian Press