The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence 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 Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), today announced $350,000 to support the construction of a new affordable housing development in Lewisporte.

Funding for this project has been made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Federal and Provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $58 million under the amended Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking concrete action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Minister MacKay. “Funding new construction projects like these projects will not only improve the overall housing conditions, and quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable for years to come, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”

“We have been making great strides in helping to increase the availability of affordable housing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Hedderson. “This announcement of 10 new units in Lewisporte is one of dozens of similar affordable housing partnerships that have come to fruition over the past year or will in 2011, each of which will enable low-income seniors and persons with disabilities to live independently and with integrity.”

“I am proud to be part of making these new affordable homes a reality in Lewisporte,” said Clayton Gillingham, of CWG Enterprises Ltd. “This partnership between the federal and provincial governments and our company will help meet the housing needs of our seniors for years to come.”

The project will involve the construction of two three-bedroom, five two-bedroom, two one-bedroom units and one bachelor unit; including one unit for persons with disabilities. The federal/provincial funding includes $315,000 from Housing for Low-Income Seniors as well as $35,000 under Housing for Persons with Disabilities. The proponent will provide the remaining funding to cover the cost of the project. The anticipated completion date for this project is August 2011.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Overall, the 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.

One of the key objectives for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing in the private, public and non-for profit sectors. Provincial priority is on rental housing for seniors, persons with disabilities and those who require supports to live independently in the community.

Work is progressing well on the Ressources habitation de l’Ouest and Maison CACI projects that will soon breathe new life into the site of Place de l’Acadie. These two housing projects will provide 223 units for low- and modest-income households in the borough of Ahuntsic – Cartierville, in Montréal.

This observation was made today, on the occasion of the site visit, by Senator Claude Carignan, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Christine St-Pierre, Member of the National Assembly for Acadie and Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women, on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy; and Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal, in the presence of community partners.

The construction of these units represents an investment of more than $38 million. These projects are being developed thanks to a contribution of nearly $25 million on the part of public partners. The governments of Canada and Quebec are jointly providing close to $17 million through the AccèsLogis Québec program and under the Affordable Housing Initiative Program Extension Agreement signed between Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ). The City of Montréal provided more than $4.8 million, which will be partially repaid by the Montréal Metropolitan Community out of the social housing fund to which the 82 municipalities on its territory contribute, including the City of Montréal, which provides almost half of the funding.

Moreover, some $3 million in financial assistance was provided in equal shares by the Government of Quebec and the City of Montréal, under the Renovation Québec program.

“Our government is committed to giving a hand up to Quebecers who need some help in these tough economic times,” said Senator Carignan. “Through projects like these, our government is providing safe, affordable housing to many residents in our community, while creating jobs and stimulating our economy.”

“The development of these two major projects is excellent news for the people of Montréal and demonstrates the importance that our government attaches to ensuring the wellness of the citizens of Quebec. Thanks to the combined efforts of the different partners, many families and individuals will soon benefit from 223 safe, quality housing units that meet their needs, at an affordable cost, right here in the riding of Acadie,” said Minister St-Pierre.

“The Acadie project is both a victory and a rebirth — a victory for the tenants and a rebirth for a whole neighbourhood and its population. Before, Place de l’Acadie was synonymous with unhealthy, unsafe accommodations and lack of respect for people’s dignity and right to decent housing. Now, Place de l’Acadie is a victory of solidarity and mobilization,” said the Mayor of Montréal.

“The redevelopment of Place de l’Acadie arose from an initiative undertaken by several key players in Bordeaux – Cartierville, including police officers, municipal inspectors, firefighters, CLSC workers, community organizations and local politicians. It is thanks to them that more than 200 families will soon be housed in adequate dwellings and, above all, regain the dignity and pride of living in an interesting environment,” recalled Pierre Gagnier, Mayor of the borough of Ahuntsic – Cartierville.

Among the tenants of the two housing projects, 112 households will be able to benefit from the Rent Supplement program, which provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who would otherwise have to spend more than 25 per cent of their income on housing. In addition, the rent supplements provided will represent, over a five-year period, more than $1.7 million in financial assistance, including $1.5 million from the SHQ and over $170,000 from the City of Montréal.

Since 2003, 11,300 community housing units have been, or are being, developed on the Island of Montréal, including 396 in the riding of Acadie, representing total investments of nearly $1.4 billion.

Thanks to the additional $210 million in funding announced in the Budget Speech delivered on March 30, 2010, the Government of Quebec has increased its target for the development of affordable rental community and private housing from 27,000 to 30,000 units. To date, more than 25,000 of these units have been delivered or are under development.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs. This investment extended the Affordable Housing Initiative and the renovation programs for low-income households for two more years. Canada’s Economic Action Plan also provides for an investment of more than $2 billion in new and existing social housing. For Quebec, these combined contributions mean a joint investment of more than $820 million under the Agreement concerning certain residential renovation and adaptation programs, as well as the Affordable Housing Initiative Program Extension Agreement, which includes $538 million for Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

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!”

The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, along with the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing, broke ground today on a new complex for seniors housing in Grunthal.

Funding in the amount of $2.7 million has been made available for the initiative through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this investment through the amended Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes more than $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadian seniors during these tough economic times,” said Minister Toews. “Here in Grunthal, this achievement gives hope to residents who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“It’s important for seniors to have the option to age in their community, and through programs like Supportive housing, they are able to remain closer to home even longer,” said Minister Mackintosh. “This is an important project for the community and it’s great to work with such committed partners who will make sure it’s a success.”

The project, led by Menno Home for the Aged, will have 42 housing units, including 12 supportive housing units and 30 one-bedroom assisted living units for low-to-moderate income seniors. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $4.5 million.

“This is one of the biggest projects undertaken in Grunthal,” said Albert Driedger, Board Chair for Menno Home. “There has been tremendous support from the community, individuals and churches, which is a big help to our seniors.”

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.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of London today celebrated the opening 52 new affordable rental units. The project is supported by more than $3.6 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Ed Holder Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); the Honourable Deb Matthews, Member of Provincial Parliament for London North Centre and Minister of Children and Youth Services, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, Mayor, City of London; and Brian Loubert, Vice-President of Homes Unlimited (London) attended the event.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in London and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Ed Holder. “These new apartments provide more rental options for individuals and families in need of suitable, affordable housing. This is critical to the economic and social well-being of our London community.”

“Housing is simply essential to the stability of Ontario’s families,” MPP Matthews. “The projects we’re celebrating today will make a positive and significant difference in the lives of many.”

Today’s announcement recognized the official opening of Nelson Place located at 570 Nelson Street. The $7.6 million project will be occupied by individuals and families living on low income.

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by almost $1.3 million in municipal financial incentives.

“This opening is very important to all Londoners, as we continue to battle homelessness in our community and beyond,” said Mayor DeCicco-Best. “By partnering with other levels of government through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, we move closer to realizing a national solution to the critical need for more housing across the country.”

”Nelson Place is Homes Unlimited’s seventh housing project and will provide a new home for 52 tenants in need of affordable rental housing,” said Greg Playford, President of Homes Unlimited (London). “We are pleased that the federal and provincial governments, along the City London, continue to provide the financial support that allows us to address the need for affordable housing in our community.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, signed in 2005, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

A new rental housing project for low to moderate-income seniors officially opened today in Pinehouse, thanks to a $300,000 funding commitment from the federal and provincial governments.  The project is owned and operated by the Village of Pinehouse, and will increase the availability of affordable and stable seniors’ housing in the community.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Saskatchewan and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé – Missinippi – Churchill River, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “This project will help seniors’ access safe and suitable housing, and build a stronger future for themselves.”

“Our government is committed to working with our partners to ensure that Saskatchewan seniors have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, provincial Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations, on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. “This project fills a clear need in Pinehouse and helps further our goal to build brighter futures for all Saskatchewan citizens.”

The project, which was undertaken by the Northern Village of Pinehouse, consists of four two-bedroom single detached units. It includes “green” features such as the use of renewable energy for heating and increased insulation. The project also provided an opportunity for some local individuals to obtain trades training and work experience.

The federal and provincial government provided a total of $300,000 in funding assistance toward the total cost of $425,000. The Province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, contributed its funding through the Affordable Housing Trust.

In Saskatchewan, the amendment to the Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which included funding under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, signed in May 2009, brought federal housing support of $74 million to Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan will match that commitment for a total of $148 million to go to the renovation of existing social housing and development of new affordable housing in Saskatchewan by 2011.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Carol Mitchell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, today announced $4.8 million to fund an affordable housing project for seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Today’s announcement celebrated the opening of 37 new affordable rental units and the allocation of funds for an additional 23 units. Both phases of the project are sponsored by the Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation, providing affordable housing for seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities in Owen Sound.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadian seniors, individuals, families and persons living with disabilities during these tough economic times,” said MP Larry Miller. “Here in Owen Sound, this achievement gives hope to residents who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“Our government is deeply committed to developing better ways to meet the housing needs of Ontario’s vulnerable populations,” said MPP Mitchell. “Through the construction of safe, new housing, we’re helping vulnerable people — seniors, families and people with special needs — establish and maintaining the stability that many of us take for granted.”

“We have identified a need for housing of this nature and it is very gratifying that our senior levels of government have stepped up and supplied these funds to allow this project to go forward. Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation has a proven record of building and maintain projects of this nature,” said Kevin Eccles, Warden of Grey County.

“I am absolutely delighted with this project,”said Ruth Lovell Stanners, Mayor of Owen Sound and Chair of County of Grey Social Services Committee. “Owen Sound has a critical need for affordable housing and with the units just built we are finally making some headway. Thanks must go to the Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation for their role in driving this project with the federal and provincial partners.”

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, the 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 announcement was made by the Honourable Ethel Cochrane, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The Town of Cape St. George has been approved for more than $230,000 in low-cost loans from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), to expand the central water system in St. George and to rebuild the bridge and upgrade the road serving residents in the resettled community of Loretto, NL.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Senator Cochrane. “This program is opening the door for municipalities of all sizes to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs and create jobs. It’s good news not only for the Towns of Cape St. George and Loretto, but also for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“Extending our water system and providing access to Loretto have been our priorities for the last four years,” said Mr. Peter Fenwick, Mayor of Cape St. George. “The CMHC low-cost loans will enable us to take on both projects without having to increase taxes. Altogether they save us up to $10,000 a year in interest charges.”

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

Federal funding for this initiative was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession and was matched by British Columbia through the Province’s capital infrastructure program. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes more than $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Across Canada, the federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to the investment of $850 million for the renovation and retrofit of exiting social housing to help house seniors, single parent families, recent immigrants and Aboriginal households, under the amended Affordable Housing Program Agreements.

The majority of the Housing Renovation Partnership funding, approximately $164 million, will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, approximately $13 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Premier Gordon Campbell made the announcement today at Steeves Manor, a 196-unit housing development in Vancouver, the first of the 81 social housing developments to have renovations funded under this initiative.

“These renovation and retrofit projects will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said Minister Day. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly.

“Working in partnership with the Government of Canada, we are revitalizing social housing sites in need of repair and renovation in communities throughout the province, extending the life of these homes for British Columbians for years to come,” said Premier Campbell. “The Housing Renovation Partnership will also build on additional investments the province has announced to-date to stimulate the B.C. economy, which in total will create over 27,000 jobs in communities across the province.”

In B.C., this Housing Renovation Partnership is part of an overall $14 billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province.

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.

The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing, and Mike Pagtakhan, City of Winnipeg Councillor for the Point Douglas Ward, made the announcement today in Winnipeg.

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians in Winnipeg and across Canada access quality, affordable housing,” said Minister Toews. “Through this investment, CentreVenture will be able to offer low-income families and individuals more rental housing options and an opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives.”

All three levels of government are supporting the construction of a new $3.7 million, 25 unit apartment complex located in downtown Winnipeg. Construction of CentreVillage is underway and the building will be ready for tenants in the summer of 2010.

“Manitoba has a long history of welcoming and supporting new Canadians and there’s nothing more important than having a safe, affordable place to live,” said Minister Mackintosh. “Today’s announcement builds on other recent commitments and demonstrates that when we work together with the community we can really make a difference.”

Today’s announcement includes more than $1.85 million in funding through the Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Program, Manitoba Housing’s HOMEWorks program, and the City of Winnipeg.

Representing Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan said, “Winnipeg is, above all, a city where people genuinely care about their neighbourhoods, and each other. The City is proud to be a partner and investor in CentreVillage, because the housing opportunities it will provide to residents of the Central Park area are in our community’s best tradition of neighbours helping neighbours.”

“CentreVenture Development Corporation is pleased to see CentreVillage housing become a reality. We are working with our community based partners, Knox Centre, to increase the variety of housing options in the Central Park neighbourhood.” said Ross McGowan, CEO of CentreVenture Development Corporation “as the City of Winnipeg’s downtown development agency we appreciate the value that strong and diverse neighbourhoods contribute to our downtown.”

In Winnipeg, these investments are being delivered through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The partners work together to deliver funding provided through each level of government for affordable housing, to address homelessness, and to assist in the revitalization of Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods by providing rehabilitation and repair loans.

These investments are part of the Government of Canada’s $1.9-billion commitment for housing and homelessness for low-income Canadians. As part of this investment the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), the renovation programs for low-income households and Homelessness Partnering Strategy were renewed for two years to March 31, 2011. In Manitoba, these initiatives are jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments through contributions totaling over $34 million for the next two years.