The baton has been passed and FNHPA is excited about the potential this transition brings for the future of Matrimonial Real Property initiatives and housing management within First Nations communities and continues to look forward to serving our members, communities, and partners in this important endeavor.
Read the full press release here
The First Nations Housing Professionals Association would like to acknowledge the Centre of Excellence for Matrimonial Real Property (COEMRP) for their dedication and commitment to assisting communities in developing their own Matrimonial Real Property Law. COEMRP provided information on the protection and rights available to individuals and families living on reserve; assisting with implementing the Provisional Federal Rules; and providing research on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. During its tenure, the COEMRP also built an extensive library of resources and tools and we will remain committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure successful implementation. Through a three-year phased transitional approach, COEMRP will find its new home with the FNHPA; Canada’s only national center for professional standards, certification, and services for existing and prospective First Nations housing professionals. FNHPA is enthusiastic about picking up the torch and continuing to expand upon the critical work initiated by National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) COEMRP.
COEMRP Background:
In 2013 the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) responded to an Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) call for proposal for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Matrimonial Real Property (COEMRP).
The purpose of the Centre was to operate at arm’s length from the Government of Canada, and provide services such as:
- Guiding First Nations who are opting to develop their own Matrimonial Real Property laws
- Providing information on the protections and rights available to individuals and families living on reserve
- Assisting with implementing of the provisional federal rules
- Providing research on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
The NALMA proposal was reviewed by an Assessment Committee comprised of representatives from:
- ISC
- the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
- Status of Women Canada, and
- Public Safety Canada
The Assessment Committee provided a recommendation to the Minister of ISC.
Based on NALMA’s extensive experience and connection to reserve land issues, on November 14th, 2013 Minister Bernard Valcourt officially announced NALMA as the host of the Centre of Excellence for Matrimonial Real Property.
This was a five-year Minister’s commitment which was extended on for additional three years which will end March 31st, 2021.
COEMRP Successes
The Centre contributed greatly to supporting First Nations’ law-making and rights and protections under the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act. (FHRMIRA)
Since inception the Centre provided the following outstanding services:
- Developed 4 effective Toolkits
- Provided training to 306 First Nations across Canada
- Funded 14 First Nations in the development and implementation of their MRP laws
- National mail distribution to over 6,000 resource materials to First Nations and partners
- Development of an interactive and resourceful COEMRP website
- Hosted 3 MRP national conferences
- Hosted 8 national engagement sessions
- Responded on average 100 referrals annually
- Built an astonishing library of resources and tools