Ugpi'ganjig First Nation, Traditional Mi'kmaw Territory, New Brunswick - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, Ugpi'ganjig First Nation and the Government of Canada announced the completion of an Addition to Reserve and recently completed housing projects in the community. Chief Sacha LaBillois was joined for the announcement by Parliamentary Secretary Jaime Battiste, on behalf of both the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and the Honourable René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.
Ugpi'ganjig First Nation, previously known as Eel River Bar First Nation, has added 22.72 hectares (56.14 acres) of land for the use and benefit of its community.
In addition, a federal investment of $5.4 million under the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has allowed for the construction of 27 new homes in the area. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided $350,000 towards the construction of these homes.
In addition, ISC provided more than $5.6 million for a multi-phased subdivision infrastructure project. Phase 1 of the project brought services to the 27 new homes on the lots. Construction is underway for Phase 2 to provide the necessary infrastructure for an additional 21 lots for future housing developments.
Every person deserves a safe and healthy place to call home. This Addition to Reserve provides Ugpi'ganjig First Nation with a greater land base. These housing projects will help address the community's short- and long-term housing needs. Together, these projects will support community growth for years to come.
