The BC Assembly of First Nations assembled in Prince George to discuss the issue of housing in both First Nations communities as well as the housing crisis in many urban centres.
“Here in Prince George we’ve seen the Prince George Aboriginal Housing Society have developed 200-plus units near Parkwood. What’s good about those developments is that a portion, if not the majority is going to be affordable housing.” said BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee.
“Currently the rent rates here in Prince George and elsewhere has just gone through the roof. The ability to build a home, it’s way more expensive than we’ve ever seen in our history.”
Teegee said affordability, along with the opioid crisis and displacement because of climate change are other driving factors of homelessness.
“Many have been displaced here because of floods and fires, couple all those issues together, what are the solutions? That’s what we’re here to talk about.”
“Implementation of public policy is following the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People,” added Teegee.
“The ability for homes to be a human right, not only has it been federal law, but provincial and some municipalities have developed it as policy, such as the city of Vancouver.”
Teegee said there needs to be more resources and funding dedicated to building homes.
“Last five years, we’ve seen $500 million come from the provincial government, we need more from the federal government to develop these spaces, affordable spaces,” he said.
“It’s creating those spaces because it’s not going to change anytime soon, matter of fact, we need more homes and affordable homes soon.”
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
