Winnipeg,?MB,?in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis?–?Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is announcing an investment of more than 10 million dollars into the town of The Pas, to build affordable housing for seniors and families, as well as new child care and community facilities.
“I’d like to thank Regional Vice-President Judy Mayer and her executive team of Minister Joan Ledoux and Associate Minister Darrel Ferland for their hard work in making this happen,” said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. “I’d also like to thank Mayor Herb Jacques and The Pas Community Development Corporation for partnering with us to create this vision for the future of The Pas. We are not just building a few houses, we are creating a place for people to connect, including a community garden and a new public park. This plan will have benefits for all residents of The Pas.”
“We are so proud to be investing in affordable housing in the town of The Pas,” said Will Goodon, Minister of Housing with the MMF. “We know that the cost of home construction rises the further north you go, so access to good quality, affordable housing is an ongoing challenge. We will be building homes for Elders and families to help foster a strong sense of community.”
The MMF will also be building a brand new 40-space licensed child care centre, along with affordable housing, community garden and public park. The child care centre will be located adjacent to the new Manitoba Métis Federation’s senior homes, providing the children at the centre with a unique chance to connect with community Elders.
Frances Chartrand, Minister of Early Learning & Child Care with the MMF said, “I look forward to working with the community to build this daycare. Not only will this project offer quality daycare for people in The Pas, it will also bring economic opportunity for the community, with local construction and trade businesses eligible to contribute to the centre’s development.”?
The centre will provide a quality, culturally focused Red River Métis curriculum and offer employment opportunities for 14 staff, from childcare professionals to inclusion support workers and parenting program facilitators.
This facility is being built intentionally to allow for Red River Métis heritage and culture to be a core component. Along with daily education and land-based learning, the centre will also provide a complementary transportation program and a nutritional meal program for all children.?
“It’s unfortunate that it’s been so long since The Pas has had a chance to partner with another government on an initiative like this,” said Vice-President of The Pas Region, Judy Mayer. “The MMF has an ongoing commitment to all our Citizens, including those living in the northern regions of the province we created. We will never forget these Citizens. Addressing their needs through affordable housing and culturally appropriate daycare facilities in The Pas is only one step of an ongoing program to support economic and cultural strength in our northern communities.”
