FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Conklin, Alberta – After years of struggle and facing an urgent need for housing for vulnerable people, families and elders, the first tranche of new housing is installed, open and occupied. This housing development was made possible through grants from Cenovus and the government of Alberta.
The ribbon was officially cut today by elders from the community, leadership and representatives from Cenovus. 15 houses have been installed to date, with another 8 to come in four to five weeks.
Repeated studies, and the lived experience of community members demonstrated the urgency for housing, and the downstream problems caused by housing insecurity.
Commenting on the ribbon cutting, CRDAC board member CRDAC board member and Conklin Metis Local #193 President Valerie Quintal said, “This has been a long time in coming, but that this day is here is a cause for real celebration, and we are celebrating. A huge amount of thanks is owed to Cenovus and government of Alberta. But credit is also due to the members of our community and Board who advocated long and hard for our citizens.”
Commenting for Cenovus from the celebration was Alex Pourbaix, Executive Chair of the Cenovus Board of Directors, “We’d like to thank the community of Conklin for allowing us to partner with them on this journey. At Cenovus, we pride ourselves on being a good neighbour and strengthening the communities where we live and work.”
The Minister responsible for the housing funding is Hon. Jason Nixon, Minister for Seniors, Community and Social Services who remarked, “It is important to support projects like this that will provide much needed affordable housing for remote communities such as Conklin. We will continue to pursue partnerships that support affordable housing options for Indigenous peoples in communities across the province. This is an exciting day and I want to thank all our partners for seeing this important project to completion.” Announcements on further tranches of housing are forthcoming.
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For more information or to schedule remote interviews, please contact:
Morten Paulsen
403.399-3377
morten@paulsengroup.ca