Metis First Time Homebuyers Program Reports Overwhelming Uptake and Success

August 29, 2019

Winnipeg MB - Today the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is proud to announce, that in just over 7 months, 215 Métis Citizens are now experiencing the pride of home ownership thanks to the efforts of the MMF and the Louis Riel Capital Corporation's (LRCC) Metis First Time Homebuyers Program.

"These numbers confirm what we knew going into this initiative," said MMF Minister of Housing and Property Management, Will Goodon. "There was a need to help many of our Citizens with the start-up costs associated with purchasing a new home, and I am so pleased to say we are helping meet that demand."

The First Time Home Buyers Program was established with help of the federal government to assist eligible Métis Citizens wanting to purchase their first home. The program provides up to $15,000 for a down payment and up to $2,500 in closing costs. The program has reduced barriers to mortgage financing and has increased the flexibility in the choice of housing, while at the same time connecting Citizens with certified professionals. To date, 86% of applicants to the program have been approved.

"This program revives the promise of a head start made to us in 1870," added Minister Goodon. "Owning a home is the single largest investment families will make in their lifetime. I am so proud that this program has and will continue to change the lives of many Métis Families and help them realize the dream of homeownership."

The First Time Home Buyers Programs is a $5-million fund administered by the LRCC on behalf of the MMF. Since its launch in February 2019, the First Time Homebuyers Program has:

• received over 650 inquiries from interested Métis Citizens;
• received 258 applications and approved 215 of them;
• enabled 109 homes to be purchased equaling $1.4 million paid out to date;
• over $3 million currently committed for the Program;
• sold out all general information seminars.

An additional information seminar is being planned for September 20^th at the MMF Annual General Assembly at the lower level of Assiniboia Downs from 1pm to 3pm.

"Make no mistake, this program is about much more than numbers and statistics," stated Minister Goodon. "It is the smiles on the faces of our new Métis Homeowners who have accomplished something and whose lives are better today. It is about Métis Families who have safety and security and will make memories that will last a lifetime."

For more information on the planned seminar or the First Time Homebuyers Program, please contact the Louis Riel Capital Corporation at 204-589-0772, toll free at 1-800-387-6004, or visit lrcc.mb.ca.

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