OTTAWA — The federal government has signed agreements to build, renovate or retrofit nearly 5,000 housing units this year and next on First Nations reserves across the country, the National Post has learned. But critics say Ottawa can and must do more to meet what the government itself says is an immediate demand for at least 20,000 new housing units on reserves. The 2016 federal budget, the first from the Trudeau government, provided for $554.3 million over two years on new or renovated housing units on reserve. Of that, $416.6 million was earmarked for immediate housing needs although it would be spent over two years. As a result, it can be difficult or impossible for inhabitants to borrow against their homes for repairs or renovations.

Source: National Post September 26, 2016 23:29 UTC