Overview First Nations communities have endured severely underfunded and ineffectively connected programs.
There are 157,453 new homes needed to address the First Nations housing crisis. Widespread issues like overcrowding, mould, and deteriorating infrastructure requiring immediate and strategic investment. The First Nations population, projected to reach 1.8 million by 2041, makes this investment both a moral obligation and a critical economic opportunity.
By closing the housing gap, Canada will create thousands of new jobs across industries in construction, maintenance, and skilled trade jobs in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Every home built or repaired stimulates local economies through material production, construction contracts, and community services. Studies show that investments in housing contribute directly to national GDP growth while reducing long-term costs in healthcare, education, and social services.
Adequate housing means healthier, safer communities, reducing risks of chronic illnesses caused by substandard living conditions like mould. It will lead to better educational outcomes for children and youth and greater access to employment opportunities for adults. These improvements harness the strength of one of Canada’s fastest-growing populations, driving business development and building sustainable and thriving communities.
Housing Inequality is a National Crisis
Canada’s most vulnerable, children, elders, and families will continue to suffer without immediate action. Decades of underfunding have contributed to intergenerational inequality.
Indigenous Families are being forced into Crisis
In 2021, 53.8% of children in care were Indigenous. Across the prairies, 68% of people using shelters are Indigenous. Unsafe housing and limited opportunities on reserve are driving this crisis.
157,453 Homes are Needed in First Nations communities.
To close the gap, housing investments for First Nations communities must be 80% higher than the rest of Canada. Delays impact lives and are increasing the cost, investments must be immediate.
Testimonial
CTIG Bio Callout Sample
In partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, we co-developed the National Cost Estimate, outlining the investment required to Close the Infrastructure Gap by 2030 (CTIG 2030) — a critical step toward economic reconciliation.
Learn More About the BenefitsClosing the First Nations Housing Gap Creating stronger communities with better infrastructure and proper housing
Auditor General’s Report
On March 19, 2024, the Auditor General (AG) of Canada released a critical report highlighting Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) ongoing failure to address First Nations housing crisis and issues in communities such as overcrowding and mould.
This marks the fourth time since 2003 the AG has raised concerns about many issues that still persist today for Indigenous families across Canada.
The report also revealed that First Nations with the worst housing conditions received less funding than communities of the same size with better housing conditions. Budget 2022’s $4.3B commitment over seven years fell drastically short of the $135.2B identified to close the gap. The CTIG Report underscores the urgent need to prioritize First Nations housing, especially given that between January 2022 and July 2023 during the development of the CTIG report, Canada Publicly committed $370B to the military industry – an amount that could have fully covered the infrastructure gap.
Prioritizing Closing the Gap
The CTIG Report is vital to getting a full and accurate picture of what is needed to close the gap in First Nations housing. For example, Budget 2022 outlined a contribution of $4.3 billion over a seven-year period to improve Indigenous housing — but CTIG 2030 has identified that the true need to permanently close the gap is $135.1 billion.
While these numbers are gigantic, it is clear these investments are simply a matter of prioritization. Since the start of AFN’s Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030 project in January 2022 until its completion in July 2023, the Government of Canada has publicly announced over $370 billion of investments in the military industry — more than what is required to Close the First Nation Infrastructure Gap. First Nations from coast to coast to coast deserve to be prioritized.
Read the Full Reports
Read the Full Report 1 — The National Cost Estimate
Read and download the Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030 – National Cost Estimate report, which includes the capital and operational investments needed by the Government of Canada to make its timeline to close the gap by 2030.
- English – Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030 – National Cost Estimate
- French – Comblerle déficit d’infrastructures d’icià 2030 – Proposition et rapport de coût
Read the Full Report 2 — The Prioritization and Implementation Plan
Read and download the Prioritization and Implementation Plan, which includes an estimate on the previous report’s investment needs and quantifies how the First Nations infrastructure gap will continue to grow by the year 2040 due to Government of Canada inaction and insufficient funding.