2024-25 Horizontal Initiative - Support for Indigenous Housing

General information
Shared outcomes
Performance information

General information

Name of horizontal initiative: Support for Indigenous Housing (SIH)

Lead department: Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

Federal partner department: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

Start date of the horizontal initiative: 2022–23

End date of the horizontal initiative: 2028–29

Description of the horizontal initiative:

Access to safe, adequate, and culturally appropriate housing is essential to the health and well-being of all Canadians. Canada has recognized the right to adequate housing as a fundamental human right affirmed in international law, as stated in s.4(a) of the National Housing Strategy Act, S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 313. However, Indigenous Peoples in Canada are experiencing a well-known and long-lasting housing shortage. Aging and inadequate housing, and the absence of critical infrastructure in Indigenous communities, especially in northern Indigenous communities, has had ongoing negative consequences for social, health, and economic outcomes. Investing in housing improves quality of life, narrows socio-economic gaps and increases Indigenous Peoples' participation in the economy.

Departments reporting under this horizontal initiative will report annually, through the horizontal initiative section of the supplementary tables included in ISC's Departmental Plan (DP) and Departmental Results Report (DRR), where results and financial information (planned and actuals) will be provided, as well as within the main body of their own DP and DRR.

ISC will lead horizontal work to report on results achieved under the Support for Indigenous Housing horizontal initiative for the first five years (2022–23 to 2026–27). After this time, should ISC no longer have funding that is subject to this initiative, responsibility for reporting on remaining years of investments (2027–28 and 2028–29) will shift to another partner department to maintain the integrity of the overall initiative.

Governance structures:

Central to the governance structure of the Support for Indigenous Housing horizontal initiative is the senior-level Oversight Committee which is comprised of Assistant Deputy Ministers from ISC and CIRNAC. The Oversight Committee is responsible for the overall governance and coordination of the horizontal Housing initiative, including ensuring that reporting is timely and accurate. The Oversight Committee is supported by a Director General Steering Committee (DGSC) that addresses operational, implementation or technical issues identified by the working group. A horizontal working group composed of officials from ISC and CIRNAC are convening regularly to discuss the advancement of the initiative, ensure general alignment of approaches, highlight any challenges that arise, and propose solutions for the consideration of the DGSC. Terms of Reference for each level of the governance structure outline the composition and respective roles of each group.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars): $4,000,806,772

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars): $1,826,206,774

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars): $1,880,799,066

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative: Not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at last renewal, and source of funding (dollars): Not applicable

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars): Not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal: Not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Not applicable

Performance highlights:

Indigenous Services Canada

Budget 2022 investments in First Nations on-reserve housing demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to addressing housing needs. As of March 31, 2025, these investments have supported ongoing and completed housing projects across the country, including:

483 new units constructed, with an additional 2,016 underway;
1,237 units renovated, with an additional 3,176 underway;
506 housing lots serviced, with an additional 1,594 underway; and
1,182 capacity development and innovation projects supported.

As of fiscal year 2023–24, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) began collecting data to assess the impacts of Budget 2022's housing manager subsidy, as well as investments in training and certification. The 2023-24 results indicate that one in five First Nations (24%) employed a housing manager, and 21% accessed training and certification programs during the reporting year. Results for fiscal year 2024-25 will be available in March 2026.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations

Budget 2022 invested $565 million over 5 years, of which $560.8 million is being delivered to 28 Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations for First Nation-led self-determined housing investments. All funds for the 2024-25 fiscal year were delivered to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations on time through their grants. Information sharing on activities funded in the 2024-25 fiscal year is expected by September 2025 through a combination of standalone reports and annual reports developed for the citizens of Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations. The first year of this funding was received by Modern Treaty and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments late in 2022–23 and subsequent funding will be provided at the beginning of each fiscal year following. Partners have been investing the funds towards identified housing needs within their communities. These may include building or maintaining homes, community buildings, and rental housing.

Investments from previous years have supported the development of new subdivisions and residential lots, new housing construction, housing assessments, housing grant programs, housing repairs, new transitional housing, and housing to support elders and peoples with disabilities living within Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nation communities. In many cases, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations were able to combine federal funding with own-source revenues and/or additional funds from provincial housing entities to maximize the impact of investments on their communities.

Inuit

Budget 2022 invested $845 million over 7 years, of which $843.7 million is being delivered to Inuit organizations for Inuit-led, self-determined housing delivery. Funding for the 2024-25 fiscal was delivered to Inuit Treaty Organizations through grant funding agreements. Information on activities funded in the 2024-25 fiscal year is expected by September 2025. The first year of this funding was received by Inuit Organizations late in 2022–23 and subsequent funding will be provided at the beginning of each fiscal year following. Partners are investing the funds towards identified housing needs in their communities, including new construction, repairs, land purchase and preparation, rent subsidies and capacity building. Investments have also been targeted toward shelters, and transitional / supportive housing. In some cases, Inuit partners were able to combine this funding with own-source revenues and/or additional funds from other federal programs to maximize the impact of investments in their communities.

Métis partners

Budget 2022 invested $190.2 million over 7 years for accelerating Métis housing. The first year of this funding was received by Métis partners late in 2022-23. This funding is complementary to the efforts made through the Métis Nation Housing Strategy. Métis Housing Strategy results for 2024-25 are expected to be reported in September 2025.

Cumulative results from 2018-19 to 2023-24 include:

1,865 new housing units constructed or purchased
2,118 families provided with downpayment assistance
6,524 housing units renovated; and
10,933 families having received rent subsidies

Metis Communities in the Northwest Territories

Budget 2022 allocated $34 million over 7 years to support Métis communities in the Northwest Territories (NWT). All funding designated for the 2024-25 fiscal year was distributed to NWT Métis recipients in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in their respective funding agreements. To date, the majority of the allocated funds have been used to support new home construction (30 homes) and renovations to existing housing units, including roof repairs, leveling, electrical upgrades, and window replacements.

Contact information:

Indigenous Services Canada

Rory O'Connor
Director General, Regional Infrastructure Delivery Branch
Telephone: 902-402-6002
Email address: rory.oconnor@sac-isc.gc.ca

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Kate Ledgerwood
Director General, Reconciliation Secretariat
Telephone: 613-922-8591
Email address: kate.ledgerwood@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Dionne Savill
Director General, Implementation Branch
Telephone: 867-334-8563
Email address: dionne.savill@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Tooneejoulee Kootoo-Chiarello
Director General, Northern Governance Branch
Telephone: 343-553-7940
Email address: tooneejoulee.kootoo-chiarello@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Shared outcomes

The Support for Indigenous Housing horizontal initiative reflects two overarching objectives toward enhancing support for Indigenous, distinctions-based housing delivery:

Address Housing Infrastructure Gaps: Direct investments will help address communities' self-determined housing needs, including construction of new homes, purchase of existing homes, renovation or repair of existing homes, lot servicing and subdivision development.
Governance and Institutional Capacity to Support Indigenous Housing Improvements: Investments in community capacity are essential to lasting change. They support new housing development planning and community growth, management of existing and new homes, and planning for replacement of houses at the end of their lifespan.

Theme	Theme 1: Housing Infrastructure	Theme 2: Governance and Institutional Capacity to support Indigenous Housing Improvements	Internal Services
Theme outcomes	Availability of housing for Indigenous Peoples is improved	Indigenous communities advance their capacity to govern housing programs and services	Not applicable
Indigenous Services Canada	$2,139,846,760^{Table note 1}	$235,157,900^{Table note 1}	$25,495,340
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada	$975,509,543^{Table note 2}	$622,946,277^{Table note 3}	$1,850,954
Table note 1 This includes 5 year funding from 2022-23 to 2026-27. Return to table note 1 referrer Table note 2 This includes 7 year funding from 2022-23 to 2028-29. Return to table note 2 referrer Table note 3 This includes $564.47 million in 5 year funding from 2022-23 to 2026-27 and $58.47 million in 7 year funding from 2022-23 to 2028-29. Return to table note 3 referrer

Performance information

Horizontal initiative overview

Name of horizontal initiative: Support for Indigenous Housing

Total federal funding allocated since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $4,000,806,772

2024–25 Planned spending: $761,288,667

2024–25 Actual spending: $750,393,177

Horizontal initiative shared outcome(s)	2024-25 Performance indicator(s)	2024-25 Target(s)	Date to achieve target	2024–25 actual results
Improved housing for Indigenous Peoples	Percentage of First Nation housing on reserve that is adequate, as assessed and reported by First Nations	75%	March 31, 2025	72.9%^{Table note 1}
Improved housing for Indigenous Peoples	Core housing need^{Table note 1} for Indigenous Peoples	9%^{Table note 2}	March 31, 2031	Not available^{Table note 4}
The housing need gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples is reduced	Percentage of difference in core housing need^{Table note 1} between Indigenous and non-Indigenous households	4%^{Table note 3}	March 31, 2031	Not available^{Table note 4}
Table note 1 Results are based on data from the Community Infrastructure and Housing Annual Report which is published outside of the reporting cycle for the Departmental Results Report. The result is from 2023-24. The result for 2024-25 will be available Theme in early 2026. Return to table note 1 referrer Table note 2 Core Housing Need, as defined by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is comprised of three characteristics: suitability, affordability and adequacy. Core Housing Need is assessed for all residents of Canada through the Census. CHN assesses the following housing standards: (1) suitability is measured according to the National Occupancy Standard, and whether the number of bedrooms can accommodate the size and make-up of residents; (2) affordability is defined as housing which costs less than 30% of total before-tax household income; and (3) adequacy refers to housing that does not need any major repairs (reported by residents), with major repairs including defective plumbing or electrical wiring, or structural repairs to walls, floors, or ceilings. Return to table note 2 referrer Table note 3 These targets are notional estimates based on an analysis of past data, the funding being invested as part of this horizontal initiative, and the anticipated continued impacts of housing funding invested since 2016. Past Census data reports Core Housing Need for Indigenous identity for all of Canada as follows: 2011 (21.0%); 2016 (19.8%); 2021 (13.2%). Census data for % of difference in Core Housing Need between Indigenous identity and non-Indigenous identity for all of Canada reports: 2011 (10.7%); 2016 (9.5%); 2021 (5.8%). Note: As is generally the case for ultimate outcomes, these results cannot be solely attributed to the activities included in this horizontal initiative. While these activities are expected to contribute to the achievement of these outcomes, multiple external factors such as environmental conditions and unforeseen events (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) can influence the rate at which the anticipated progress is achieved. Return to table note 3 referrer Table note 4 The data will be available with Census 2026 Return to table note 4 referrer

Theme horizontal initiative activities

Theme 1 details

Name of theme: Housing Infrastructure

Total federal theme funding allocated since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $3,141,717,622

2024–25 Federal theme planned spending: $580,827,583

2024–25 Federal theme actual spending: $586,758,980

Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target	2024-25 actual results
Availability of housing for Indigenous Peoples is improved	Percentage of First Nation households on reserve living in a dwelling that contains more than one person per room (measure of overcrowding)	10.7%^{Table note 1}	March 31, 2026	Not available^{Table note 3}
	Percentage of Inuit housing construction needs that were addressed	To be established by end of 2025-26, following completion of Inuit needs assessments	March 31, 2029	Not available^{Table note 4}
	Percentage of Inuit housing repair/renovation needs that were addressed	To be established by end of 2025-26, following completion of Inuit needs assessments	March 31, 2029	Not available^{Table note 4}
	Percentage of Métis housing construction/purchase needs that were addressed	67%	March 31, 2025	62%^{Footnote 2}
	Percentage of Métis housing repair/renovation needs that were addressed	41%	March 31, 2025	69%^{Footnote 2}
Table note 1 Baseline: 12.7% as of 2016 Census Return to table note 1 referrer Table note 2 The result is from 2023-24. Data for 2024-25 is expected from Métis partners in Fall 2025. Return to table note 2 referrer Table note 3 Data will be available with 2026 Census. Return to table note 3 referrer Table note 4 Results will be available following completion of needs assessments by the end of 2025-26. Return to table note 4 referrer

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

Indigenous Services Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Community Infrastructure

Horizontal initiative activity (activities): Infrastructure investments to support housing on reserves

Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $2,165,342,100

2024–25 Planned spending for each horizontal activity: $523,442,000

2024–25 Actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity: $529,373,397

2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target	2024–25 actual results
First Nation communities have suitable and adequate housing	Number of First Nation housing units on reserve built or acquired as a result of housing funding	5,100 new units built or acquired	March 31, 2027	483 new units built or acquired^{Table note 1}
	Number of First Nation housing units on reserve renovated as a result of housing funding	3,800 units renovated	March 31, 2027	1,237 units renovated/additions^{Table note 2}
	Number of housing lots serviced as a result of housing funding	2,100 lots serviced	March 31, 2027	506 lots serviced^{Table note 3}
	Number of extensions to existing subdivisions as a result of housing funding	8 extensions to existing subdivisions	March 31, 2025	0^{Table note 4}
	Number of new housing subdivisions as a result of housing funding	4 new subdivisions	March 31, 2025	1 new subdivision^{Table note 4}
Table note 1 As of March 31, 2025, 2016 new units are underway. Return to table note 1 referrer Table note 2 As of March 31, 2025, 3,176 additions/renovations are underway. Return to table note 2 referrer Table note 3 As of March 31, 2025, 1,294 lots servicing are underway. Return to table note 3 referrer Table note 4 There are 2 other completed subdivision projects related to the partial completion of a subdivision. There are 25 ongoing subdivision projects, most of which are for planning, design and/or feasibility. Return to table note 4 referrer

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Indigenous-Led Services

Horizontal initiative activity (activities): Housing infrastructure investments for Inuit Treaty Organizations

Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $845,100,000

2024–25 Planned spending for each horizontal activity: $48,900,000

2024–25 Actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity: $48,900,000

2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target	2024–25 actual results
Inuit communities have suitable and adequate housing	Number of Inuit housing units constructed	60	March 31, 2025	48^{Table note 1}
Inuit communities have suitable and adequate housing	Number of Inuit housing units repaired/renovated	40	March 31, 2025	35^{Table note 1}
Table note 1 The result is from 2023-24. Data for 2024-25 is expected from Inuit partners in Fall 2025. Return to table note 1 referrer

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Indigenous-Led Services

Horizontal initiative activity (activities): Housing infrastructure investments for Métis Nation, Manitoba Métis Federation and Métis Settlements

Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $131,275,522

2024–25 Planned spending for each horizontal activity: $8,485,583

2024–25 Actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity: $8,485,583

2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target	2024–25 actual results
Métis communities have suitable and adequate housing	Number of Métis housing units constructed/purchased	130	March 31, 2025	290^{Table note 1}
Métis communities have suitable and adequate housing	Number of Métis housing units repaired/renovated	500	March 31, 2025	581^{Table note 1}
Table note 1 The result is from 2023-24. Data for 2024-25 is expected from partners in Fall 2025. Return to table note 1 referrer

Theme 2 details

Name of theme: Governance and Institutional Capacity to support Indigenous Housing Improvements

Total federal theme funding allocated since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $859,089,150

2024–25 Federal theme planned spending: $180,461,084

2024–25 Federal theme actual spending: $163,634,197

Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target	2024–25 actual results
Indigenous communities advance their capacity to govern housing programs and services	Percentage of First Nations that employ at least one dedicated position focused on housing management responsibilities.	25%	March 31, 2027	23.5%^{Table note 1}
	Percentage of Métis partners that have a housing program control framework (e.g., eligibility and decision-making criteria) for their programs	100%	March 31, 2025	100%
	Percentage of Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreement partners that have provided final reports on their Action Plans	100%	December 31, 2027	100%
	Percentage of Métis organizations in the Northwest Territories that are providing housing programs to their membership	100%	March 31, 2030	100%
Table note 1 Results are based on data from the Community Infrastructure and Housing Annual Report which is published outside of the reporting cycle for the Departmental Results Report. The result is from fiscal year 2023–24. It was previously unavailable and has since been determined to be 23.5%. The actual result for 2024-25 will be available in early 2026. Return to table note 1 referrer

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

Indigenous Services Canada

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Community Infrastructure

Horizontal initiative activity (activities): Investments in First Nations capacity to govern, manage and deliver housing programs and services

Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $235,157,900

2024–25 Planned spending for each horizontal activity: $54,858,000

2024–25 Actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity: $38,031,113

2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target	2024–25 actual results
First Nations implement projects to enhance their capacity to manage and maintain their housing	Number of capacity and innovation projects supported as a result of this funding	332	March 31, 2025	1,182^{Table note 1}
First Nations have improved access to financing for housing projects	Number of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFI) participating in a national network^{Table note 1}	6 new participating IFIs	March 31, 2027	0^{Table note 2}
	Value of loans without Ministerial Loan Guarantees (MLGs) or local government guarantees^{Table note 1}	$32,215	March 31, 2027	0^{Table note 2}
Table note 1 This includes 193 completed and 989 ongoing capacity and innovation projects. Return to table note 1 referrer Table note 2 This indicator relates to a financial innovation initiative that has received funding for core operations but has not yet received the seed funding required to onboard Indigenous Financial Institutions and back loans. Return to table note 2 referrer

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

Horizontal initiative activity (activities): Investments in MTSG programs and services

Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $565,000,000

2024–25 Planned spending for each horizontal activity: $120,000,000

2024–25 Actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity: $120,000,000

2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target	2024–25 actual results
Indigenous Peoples manage and control their desired programs and services	Percentage of Self-Government and Modern Treaty First Nations that have submitted Action Plans to access initiative	100%	March 31, 2025	100%

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Indigenous-Led Services

Horizontal initiative activity (activities): Housing governance capacity for Métis Nation, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Métis Settlements

Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $23,166,269

2024–25 Planned spending for each horizontal activity: $1,497,456

2024–25 Actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity: $1,497,456

2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target	2024–25 actual results
Métis partners have increased knowledge of their citizens' housing needs	Percentage of housing needs assessments completed by Métis partners	100%	January 31, 2025	100%^{Table note 1}
Table note 1 All Métis partners under the Métis Nation Housing Strategy have completed housing needs assessments. Return to table note 1 referrer

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships Program

Horizontal initiative activity (activities): Investments in Métis communities in the Northwest Territories to address housing and infrastructure needs

Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal^{Footnote 1}: $35,764,981

2024–25 Planned spending for each horizontal activity: $4,105,628

2024–25 Actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity: $4,105,628

2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2024–25 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target	2024–25 actual results
Territories, Northerners and Indigenous Peoples have access to federal support	Percentage of Métis organizations in the Northwest Territories that have strategic plans, policies, or programs in place to support analysis or advocacy around their housing needs	100%	March 31, 2025	100%

Total spending, all themes
Theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal	2024–25 total federal planned spending	2024–25 total federal actual spending
Theme 1	$3,141,717,622	$580,827,583	$586,758,980
Theme 2	$859,089,150	$180,461,084	$163,634,197
Total: all themes	$4,000,806,772	$761,288,667	$750,393,177

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Date modified:: 2025-11-07