Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of $3.2 million, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to improve housing conditions in First Nation communities across New Brunswick.

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with members of the Elsipogtog First Nation.

“Our Government‘s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in the First Nation communities in New Brunswick and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said MP O’Neill-Gordon.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the new funding initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, CMHC will be fully allocating all the available funding for this fiscal year.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, $3.2 million in federal investments will be made available to 12 First Nations communities in New Brunswick to address the immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate $2.2 million to retrofit 222 social housing units on-reserve in New Brunswick as well as $991,000 for subsidy associated with nine new housing units.  First Nation communities across the province receiving funding include: Burnt Church, Eel Ground, Eel River Bar, Elsipogtog, Fort Folly, Indian Island, Kingsclear, Madawaska Maliseet, Metepenagiag, St. Mary’s, Tobique and Woodstock.

“It is with great pride and excitement that the federal initiative stimulus package along with CMHC, are working with the Elsipogtog First Nation. By strengthening this working relationship with the current government, all parties are listening to the overwhelming basic needs of Elsipogtog people: adequate housing & shelter,” said Chief Jesse J Simon, Elsipogtog First Nation. “For far too long, my people have suffered when we work in isolation. Now comes the time to show the province of New Brunswick, other First Nations, and the rest of the country that great things can be accomplished when we set aside our political differences in the best interest of humanity. I hope that this is a first step towards overcoming immense challenges for all First Nation communities. Hand in hand, side by side, back to back; we are all much stronger now!”

Posted by Moishe Alexander

Funding of more than $6 million for 42 new affordable housing rental units for seniors and persons with disabilities was announced today in Ottawa.

Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa – Orléans, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa West – Nepean; along with Larry O’Brien, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, made the announcement.

“Our government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering affordable housing in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Galipeau. “Here in Ottawa, our government’s investment will create jobs and help people in our community access suitable affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“By investing in affordable housing and working together with all levels of government and the community, we are helping the most vulnerable in our community,” said Minister Watson. “Cornerstone plays a very important role in our city and the Ontario government is pleased to assist them.”

“Affordable housing is necessary in order to build a city that is healthy, sustainable and inclusive,” said Mayor O’Brien. “By assisting local agencies like Cornerstone, this new affordable and supportive housing project for women is helping the most vulnerable in our community.”

Additionally, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) invested a total of $2.1 million in the project. This funding was used to purchase the land, begin demolition on the existing property and pay for other project start-up costs, such as site studies and architectural fees.

The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, Canada’s Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

The provision of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element for addressing homelessness and helping individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy therefore places an emphasis on longer-term transitional and supportive housing through a housing-first approach to help people overcome homelessness.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of $3.8 million, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to improve housing conditions in First Nation communities across Nova Scotia.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador; and Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester – Musquodoboit Valley on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with members of the Millbrook First Nation community.

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in First Nations communities in Nova Scotia and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said Minister MacKay.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the new funding initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, CMHC will be fully allocating all the available funding for this fiscal year.

Some $3.8 million in federal investments will be made available to 13 First Nations in Nova Scotia to address immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate $2.57 million to retrofit 229 housing units on-reserve in Nova Scotia, as well as $1.22 million for subsidy associated with 12 new housing units to be constructed in seven First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. First Nation communities across the province receiving funding include: Acadia First Nation, Annapolis Valley First Nation, Bear River First Nation, Chapel Island First Nation, Eskasoni First Nation, Glooscap First Nation, Indian Brook First Nation (Shubenacadie Band Council), Membertou First Nation, Millbrook First Nation, Paqtnkek First Nation, Pictou Landing First Nation, Wagmatcook First Nation, and Waycobah First Nation.

‘’This is wonderful news for our community,” said Chief Lawrence Paul, Millbrook First Nation. “It came at the right time and allowed us to accommodate a family with special needs, as well as address overcrowding in some units. This program has also exposed us to new building practices which will be beneficial for years to come.”