According to a recent news release, a joint initiative between the two governments has resulted in the creation of the two buildings — one called the Miakoda project; the other, the Young Families project.
The joint initiative includes a partnership with Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc.
The Miakoda project consists of eight apartments — both one bedroom and two-bedroom — in a low-rise building with a “common space for programming.” The Young Families’ project is a “five-plex development for young families.”
The release notes that building “a strong Canadian housing sector” depends on collaboration, and that resources for the projects will come from bodies including the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Prince Albert and the Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, as well as land and cash sponsors.
“These developments represent another important step of expanding access to safe and affordable housing in Prince Albert," said Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Terry Jenson. "These projects support individuals who are rebuilding their lives, recognizing the critical role that housing plays in creating security and opportunity. Thanks to this important work, thirteen families will have the stability that a home provides.”
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said this type of housing is crucial for Indigenous women and girls, as well as for those in the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
“When community groups and different levels of government come together, housing projects such as this one can happen quickly, and effectively meet the needs of the community,” said Gull-Masty.
Prince Albert’s mayor also had high praise for the projects.
“The Miakoda and Young Families Housing Project not only provides safe and supportive housing for Métis women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ families fleeing violence, but also reflects the values of compassion, inclusion, and reconciliation that define Prince Albert," said Bill Powalinsky.
The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment defines interpersonal violence as “harmful physical and psychological behaviour by a person or group of people toward another person.” It can include intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, elder abuse and workplace violence.
According to Statistics Canada, family and intimate partner violence in Canada was highest in the territories in 2023. However, when it came to the provinces, Saskatchewan led the way, with 741 victims of family violence and 710 victims of intimate partner violence per 100,000 of the population.
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