Inuit housing report slams Labrador

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The most important issue facing Inuit today is the housing crisis, states an interim report penned by the political arm of that community.

The Inuit Tapirisat of Canada report, submitted to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation May 31, indicates a shortfall of approximately 5,000 houses in the Northwest Territories and Northern Quebec, plus an undetermined number in northern Labrador.

It is common in Inuit communities to live two and three generations in the same three of four bedroom bungalow, ITC researchers report. Inuit live in the most over-crowded housing conditions in the country.

Overcrowding and poor housing conditions will contribute significantly to the death rate, infant mortality rate, and general rate of illness in Inuit communities, reads the report.

The Inuit also have the fastest growing population in Canada and unemployment rates of up to 80 per cent, so often there is no alternative to social housing, the study concludes.

Singled out for particular criticism is the Newfoundland and Labrador governments. In comparison to other Inuit communities, the lack of progress made in Labrador in terms of housing is apparent.

"Labrador Inuit are living in Third World conditions," reads the report. While systematic needs assessment on Inuit housing are done in the Northwest Territories and Northern Quebec, this information is not available in Labrador.

A list of seven recommendations for improvements accompanied the report. Funding to conduct a housing needs assessment for Labrador Inuit communities is included in the recommendations.

Establishing co-operation among the regional organizations involved in Inuit housing is another priority, as is support for capital and operational planning activities, establishing a separate funding arrangement to address the housing needs of the Inuit, and the free flow of information and consultation with Inuit organizations about changes in housing programs.