Métis Housing is more than meets the eye. Métis Housing consists of Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC, incorporated in 2007) and Métis Urban Housing Corporation (MUHC, incorporated in 1982), under the jurisdiction of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government within Alberta. They were created to provide affordable rental housing to low- and moderate-income Métis and other Indigenous families in Alberta. MUHC and MCHC maintain and manage rental accommodations, providing housing to over 3,000 residents, and almost 900 affordable housing units, in 14 urban centres throughout Alberta.

The numbers only tell part of the story; watch the video and listen to the testimonials of individuals who have accessed Métis Housing services.

On November 21, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland released the federal government's 2023 Fall Economic Statement (FES). While it is encouraging to see the FES focus on various means to increase the supply of affordable housing, we at Métis Housing are discouraged from seeing a lack of immediate financial support for the most vulnerable Canadians.

$1 billion is being earmarked over three years for a new affordability-focused housing fund starting in 2025 – 26, which will support non-profit, co-op, and public housing builds, aiming for 7,000 new homes by 2028. However, the need exists now; earmarked financial support is only a promise at best. The delay in disbursing funds will result in a delay in executing the plan and meeting the target.

The Update on Indigenous Housing and the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy does not offer immediate housing support for Indigenous people. The federal government is working with various Indigenous partners to codevelop and launch the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy in 2024. Immediate and necessary investments into Métis housing would play a significant role in ensuring that Métis citizens do not fall further behind other Canadians regarding having an adequate supply of safe and affordable housing.



We welcome the announcement of repurposing more federal lands for affordable housing. We encourage identifying such lands in rural areas where no minimum affordable Indigenous housing exists. This will allow organizations like ours to utilize such opportunities and partner with Canada Lands Company and the local municipalities to enhance the supply of affordable housing for Indigenous peoples.

We are excited to continue with the Federal Lands Initiative in developing our Griesbach residential development, which has begun and is expected to be completed in late 2024. The Griesbach residential development, announced in previous budgets and carried forward, will allow us to provide more housing to Métis, First Nations, and Inuit families. The development comprises 127 affordable units for low-income Indigenous families, focusing on women and children. Out of 127, 42 suites are fully accessible to serve the needs of families dealing with physical limitations.

We will continue with the best stewardship of available resources to house our people. We want to see more investment in Métis communities across Alberta to ensure our citizens are given the resources they deserve.

Where does the funding go?

The need for funding support is much greater than the amount of funds available.

Our Home Programs are funded by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), under the 2018 Housing Sub-Accord. This funding is provided to the Métis Nation of Alberta specifically for these Home Programs. Once all funds are distributed, we can no longer offer the program until more funding is secured.

Why was my application not processed?

For an application to be successfully processed, we need to receive correct and completed application forms and all required supporting documentation. Once all documentation is received, your application will be processed, and you will be notified of its status.

How much is the rent on your homes?

Our MUHC homes are 25 percent of gross family income with a fixed utility charge. MCHC homes are 20 percent below market rate with a fixed utility charge.

On November 17, we held a Stew and Bannock Open House at our Edmonton and Calgary offices. It was a wonderful time of connection. We were able to share the different housing resources available through Métis Housing, eat delicious food, and have great conversations. Thank you to everyone who came out.

If you would like to learn more about the housing resources available you can find more information at metishousing.ca.