Budget Sets Aside Cash For Aboriginal Needs

Budget Sets Aside Cash For Aboriginal Needs

Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 13:09

On-reserve housing got a cash infusion in yesterday’s federal budget announcement.

Ralph Goodale announced that the government will be spending $295 million over the next five years to improve First Nations housing — $200 million will be spent over the next two years.

The money is expected to allow for the construction of 6,400 new homes on reserves, and the renovation of another 1,500 existing units.

In all, the federal government committed $735 million in new money over the next five years to address urgent needs in the Aboriginal community.

A total of $345 million will be spent on First Nations early learning and child care, special education and First Nations child and family services.

Another $55 million will be spent to promote Aboriginal languages and culture and to help fund the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.