`Completely discouraged': Auditor slams First Nations housing, policing

• The federal auditor general is “completely discouraged” to see so little improvement to substandard housing in First Nations over the past two decades, a new report says.

Karen Hogan also looked at the planned expansion of the highly criticized First Nations policing program, and found poor management is leaving communities underserved and funds unspent.

The reports tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday paint a bleak picture of Ottawa's record on First Nations housing and policing.

It's the fourth time since 2003 the auditor general has held the government responsible for unsafe and unsuitable First Nations housing.

Hogan's report says communities with the poorest conditions received the least funding, and the government failed to ensure homes met building code standards.

“Many people living in First Nations communities do not have access to housing that is safe and in good condition — a fundamental human right,” the report reads. “Improving housing for First Nations is vital for their physical, mental and economic health and well-being.”

The $3.86 billion in housing allocated for First Nations communities over the past five years is just a fraction of the $44 billion the Assembly of First Nations estimates is needed to improve housing by 2030, Hogan noted.

She estimated that an additional $16 billion is needed for future housing needs related to population growth from 2022 until 2040.

Indigenous Services Canada has a mandate to transfer responsibilities, including housing, to First Nations.

Hogan's report found the department is in the early stages of doing that, but no significant policy framework is in place to guide its approach.

Hogan's report also said the RCMP was not living up to its commitments to communities, was not spending money equitably and was set to leave $45 million for the program unspent this year.