Canada announces the grand opening of 8 Indigenous Shelter units in Prince Albert

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, May 20, 2026

Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country.

Central to that work, the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, which is helping increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes is also helping fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It is building deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partnering with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.

As part of the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, investments are being made across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.

Today, the federal government, along with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, announced $3.4 million in federal funding to help build eight shelter units and 20 beds in Prince Albert. Iskwiw - Awasis Waskaykan will offer Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQI+ people on-reserve a safe and secure housing unit that will offer programming and services that are culturally relevant and will serve the needs of the diverse clientele.

The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.

Quotes:

“In northern and rural Saskatchewan, we know how important it is for people to have a safe place to land when times are touch. Projects like Iskwiw Awasis - Waskaykan are about giving Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQI+ people not just a roof over their heads, but real support, dignity, and a chance to heal close to community and culture. Our government was proud to support this important work.”
— The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River

“No matter where they live, Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQI+ people deserve safety, respect, and a place to call home. Through this partnership, we are helping create a space where people can access culturally relevant supports and begin to rebuild their lives. We are making sure that every individual who walks through the doors of Iskwiw - Awasis Waskaykan is met with dignity, respect, and care. This is how we build a future rooted in safety, equity, and reconciliation.”
— The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick facts:

The $724.1 million Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative was launched in November 2021 to support the construction of additional shelters and transitional homes for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals fleeing gender-based violence, including in urban areas and in the North. The program is now closed.
Funding provided for Iskwiw - Awasis Waskaykan is as follows:
- $3.4 million from the federal government, through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative.
- Ongoing operational support from Indigenous Services Canada.

Additional information:

Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information.

Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.

CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. CMHC’s mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.

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