EDMONTON, Jan. 29, 2018 /CNW/ – The first full cohort of the inaugural Housing Manager Certification Program graduated in a ceremony in front of friends and family on Friday, January 26.

Fourteen people from First Nation communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Yukon graduated from the program, receiving a certificate of achievement. The Housing Manager Certification Program provides skills and training to help housing managers manage, finance and maintain housing in First Nation communities. The program was launched in May 2016.

Throughout the twelve module program, students learned about property management, tenant relations, construction fundamentals, maintenance, financial management and site planning among other topics. Students attended classes in Edmonton for three days every six-to-eight weeks during the program.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), in partnership with First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group (TSAG), the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and the Department of Indigenous Services Canada (DISC) developed the program.

A second cohort began the program in September 2017 with anticipated graduation to take place in 2019.

Quotes:

“The Government of Canada congratulates the first cohort of graduates of the Housing Manager Certification Program for their significant achievement. Your hard work in class and in your communities is important work. We can all play a role in improving housing outcomes.” — The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“Congratulations to the graduates of the Housing Manager Certification Program. Your accomplishment is a crucial step forward in helping your communities lead in the governance, leadership, design, delivery and control of their own housing initiatives. The Department of Indigenous Services Canada is proud to be able to contribute to this important skills and training initiative.” — The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services

“TSAG’s partnership with CMHC, SAIT and INAC has offered successful and quality programming for First Nation housing departments. In the last 3 years we’ve helped build capacity in 40 Housing Departments throughout BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Yukon, which is part of TSAG’s values and mission. Students who partake in the 2-year Program expanded their skills on how to effectively manage the diverse elements of on-reserve housing by using the tools and techniques developed in the twelve courses. Hearing stories from students on how they have implemented processes and progressed in their positions is a reassuring sign that we are headed in the right direction with this First Nation housing program” – Jenn Cardinal, Operations Officer. First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc. (TSAG)

“The role of the First Nations Housing Manager is complex and demanding. The goal of this SAIT, TSAG, CMHC and INAC partnership is to provide graduates with the ability to confidently take on their daily responsibilities as Housing Managers. The level of education the Housing Manager Program gives these students sets them up for success, enabling them to be more prepared to fulfill the housing needs and demands of their community.” — Lauren Bishop, Client Development Manager, SAIT Corporate Training

Quick facts:

• CMHC invested $490,000 through their Skills and Development funding in order to develop the program. The funding also covered student fees for the first two cohorts of students.
• DISC is a partner in the program and cost-matched CMHC’s investments with a contribution of $490,000 over three years, starting in 2016-2017.
• CMHC also supported the development of course content through sharing educational materials.
• A pilot of the program was delivered by CMHC in 2014. Of the seven individuals who graduated from the pilot, all seven remain employed in the housing sector. Graduates from the pilot were consulted in the design of the new curriculum for the full program launch.

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As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.