The B.C. government, in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), will transfer ownership and management of approximately 400 Rural Native Housing properties throughout B.C. to qualified Aboriginal non-profit housing providers, beginning with a Request for Proposal issued today.

The Rural Native Housing (RNH) properties are located in eight geographical rural regions in B.C.

• Far North

• Fraser Valley

• The Kootenays

• North Central

• North West

• Okanagan

• South Cariboo

• Sunshine Coast

Aboriginal non-profit housing providers must submit their proposal by Nov. 8, 2012. The transfer is expected to be complete by early 2013. The change in ownership will not affect tenancy for existing families. To view or download the Request for Proposal please visit: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

In 2011, the government of B.C. transferred the ownership and management of 75 RNH properties located on Vancouver Island to M'akola Housing Society. This Request for Proposal is the final phase in transferring the remaining RNH properties to Aboriginal non-profit housing providers.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing -

"The transfer of ownership and management of the Rural Native Housing program will ensure that Aboriginal families in rural communities continue to have safe, affordable homes. This also brings us closer to our government's goal of Aboriginal self-management, self-reliance and self-sufficiency and in the provision of safe, affordable housing for Aboriginal peoples."

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"The government of B.C. is proud to take this next step to transfer the management and ownership of the remaining Rural Native Housing properties to Aboriginal non-profit housing partners. This will give the Aboriginal non-profit housing sector the opportunity to grow their organizations and continue to provide housing options for Aboriginal families."

Andrew Leach, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association -

"We are working closely with the government of B.C. to ensure a smooth transition of the remaining Rural Native Housing properties. We are looking forward to taking on the administration of these properties and working with Aboriginal non-profit housing providers."

Quick Facts:

• The RNH program provides approximately 500 housing units to British Columbia's Aboriginal off-reserve population. The portfolio, composed mainly of single-family houses, is located in small and rural communities throughout the province.

• The RNH program was established by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in 1974 to provide rental and home ownership opportunities for off-reserve Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal households in housing need in rural areas. In 2006, CMHC transferred the portfolio to the government of B.C. through BC Housing.

• AHMA was formed in 1995 and is a provincewide Aboriginal social housing management agency. This Aboriginal self-management model for social housing is the first of its kind in Canada.

• AHMA will be responsible for the administration of subsidies and operating agreements when ownership is transferred to Aboriginal housing providers.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.2 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 97,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

Learn More:

To learn more about affordable housing in B.C., visit: www.bchousing.org

To learn more about the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, visit: www.ahma-bc.org

Media contact:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789