b'infrastructure deficits that limitMany community members liveSome First Nations are advancing innov-community growth.off reserve and are being subjectedative proposals to both Canada and Ontario Funding constraints remain a majorto displacement and houselessnessthat would allow additions to reserve to barrier. Federal funding levels have notdue to the increase in rent, explainssupport not only housing and infrastructure kept pace with rising construction costs,Debassige. Basic affordability indevelopment, but also broader economic supply chain disruptions or workforceCanada is really impacting off-reservedevelopment opportunities.shortages. As a result, many First Nationscommunity members. This is why theThe importance of the work of the are turning to market-based supports,committee has proposed exploring thecommittee cannot be understated. The tech-such as the First Nations Marketcreation of a First Nations off-reservenicians that support the work are a small Housing Fund, a not-for-profit trust thathousing authority. but mighty team, says Debassige.acts as a cosigner to help support First Nations get mortgages on reserve and provides the tools needed tosecure homeownership.Land on reserve is essentially worth nothing in the eyes of banks, so addi-tional supports are needed for individual members who choose to build on reserve, explains Debassige.JFKGeography further shapes the housing challenges across Ontario. Northern and remote communities often rely onLAW LLP Victoria . Vancouver . Edmonton . Toronto . Kahnawakeseasonal ice roads to transport construc-tion materials, but climate change has shortened these windows, driving upDoes your career goal includedelivery costs and overall construction expenses. The committee is alwayscontributing to meaningful change?looking at innovative solutions for our northern communities, [to ensure they] have access to affordable supplies and material to build homes in theirJFK Law represents Indigenouscommunities, Debassige shares.In other communities there is notcommunities throughout Canada.enough land, or their land is tied up in the federal Addition-to-Reserve process.We work with our clients to advance theirIn this case, communities are waiting upwards of 40 years for land to beNations, protect their rights and buildtransferred to reserve status so they can continue to build more homes. There istheir economies.also a growing need for durable, access-ible housing that allow members to age in place, including single-level homes.Driven by a passion forAdditionally, many communities face persistent infrastructure gaps, particu- justice, we offer creativelarly in water and wastewater systems, and the committee continues to advocatelegal solutions and workfor sustainable, long-term funding to address these needs.towards meaningfulDespite these challenges, Firstchange.Nations are advancing innovative housing solutions. For example, someSara MainvilleImage - Frog by Evan Astercommunities are partnering with organ- Managing Partnerizations such as Habitat for Humanity, while others are developing tiny homes as cost-effective and environmentally sustainable housing options for individ- JFKlaw.cauals and small families.I ssue2 2025/26C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 23'