First Nations celebrate court decision concerning on-reserve housing

The Federal Court of Canada has ruled in favour of the Sandy Lake First Nation and St. Theresa Point First Nation in a class-action lawsuit against the Canadian government.

The lawsuit, St. Theresa Point First Nation v. His Majesty the King, argued that the Canadian government has a responsibility to provide or support adequate housing on reserves.

The $5 billion lawsuit has two stages: the first stage, which is now complete, was focused on determining if the Canadian government was legally responsible for on-reserve housing.

The second stage will figure out to what extent the government is liable and how a resolution can be reached.

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) reacted positively to the court decision.

“For far too long, First Nations have suffered with chronic housing shortages, overcrowding, and unsafe, deteriorating homes while Canada fails to meet its obligations,” said NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “Safe and suitable housing is fundamental to the health and prosperity of our communities.”