Canada Supports Shelter and Transitional Housing for Women in Puvirnituq

Puvirnituq, Quebec, April 1, 2026

Far too many people living in Canada 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 announced over $12 million in funding to help build the Satuivik project, a shelter and a transitional housing dedicated to supporting women and children fleeing violence. Satuivik consists of a shelter of four units, one unit for staff, and four transitional units.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. She made the announcement alongside Lucy Qalingo, Mayoress of Puvirnituq, who has led this project to support women and children in her community and beyond.

In a further effort to improve the safety and security of Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQI+ people across Canada, Minister Gull-Masty also announced an additional investment of over $63 million over five years to further support the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP). This funding will provide support to the existing network of 46 shelters across Canada and directly improve the safety and security of people fleeing violence.

When women and children are safe, entire communities are stronger, and that certainty remains at the heart of this important work.

Quotes:

“No woman or child should ever have to choose between staying in danger and having nowhere to go. Satuivik is a direct response to that reality — a project led by the community of Puvirnituq and built by the community, for the community. Here, women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ people fleeing violence will find safety, dignity, and culturally grounded support. Protecting them is not optional. It is our responsibility, and it is at the core of the work we are doing together.”
— The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou

“The Satuivik women’s shelter and fourplex transitional housing is a life-saving service that will provide comfort and safety to women and their families in Puvirnituq and adjacent communities on Nunavik’s Hudson Coast. The Town Council and residents of Puvirnituq join me in expressing our heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Canada, and to our regional partner, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, for making this project a reality.”
— Mayoress Lucy Qalingo, Municipality of Puvirnituq

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 2SLGBTQI+ individuals fleeing gender-based violence, including in urban areas and in the North. The program is now closed.
Funding provided for the project is as follows:
- $12.2 million from the federal government, through the National Housing Strategy’s Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative;
- Ongoing operational funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

Additional Information:

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

CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. CMHC’s mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government and the 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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