MMF looks to build housing in Brandon area: Goodon
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Manitoba Métis Federation Housing Minister Will Goodon wants to build housing units in the Brandon area during the next two years — and one of his aims is to help meet the MMF’s economic reconciliation goals.
The MMF has been exploring properties in the area and speaking with developers as it looks to invest, Goodon told the Sun on Thursday following his keynote speech at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Goodon’s speech focused on integrating Métis people into the local economy.
“That’s what this economic reconciliation is all about. We need to work together,” Goodon said. “We need to have those continued partnerships, not just one-offs.”
Manitoba Métis Federation Housing Minister Will Goodon gives his keynote speech at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday. Goodon encouraged local businesses to help integrate Métis citizens into the economy through partnerships. (Connor McDowell/The Brandon Sun)
The minister said he is aiming for roughly between 30 and 40 housing units to be built in the Wheat City area. The project would tie into economic reconciliation by hiring Métis professionals as part of the team to build the projects, he said.
The units would likely include seniors and affordable housing.
“The Manitoba Métis Federation needs to invest in Brandon. For our citizens, and for everyone in Brandon,” he said.
One of the larger goals is to increasingly integrate Métis professionals into the greater economic activity of Brandon. When partnerships are solid, it will be a show of success, Goodon said.
“That’ll be when we know we are on the right path. That it’s not tokenism anymore.”
Renee Greyeyes, president of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, later told the Sun that hiring Indigenous professionals has a lasting effect, creating momentum by giving people experience and relationships.
“I think procurement would add more Indigenous businesses within the supply chain, and it brings us into the economy so we could be better partners,” Greyeyes said.
Policy changes in recent years have meant government and corporations are looking to add more Indigenous employees, she said. Goodon’s pitch is in line with current trends, she said, adding that many positive impacts are being seen across the province as a result.
During his speech, Goodon said his call to action was to encourage Brandon-area businesses to connect with the MMF. The organization, he said, would be able to recommend professionals for specific projects.
The main focus for investments in Brandon is housing, but Goodon said the MMF is also considering construction of a new office space in the city to replace the aging building on Sixth Street.
The goal is to get some tradespeople involved in those builds, he said.
He also gave examples of Métis tourism businesses and encouraged locals to give them a try.
“When the Métis Nation rises, Brandon rises. Manitoba rises. Canada rises,” he said.
» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com