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 funding for one of the two projects has been made available 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 the $132 million overall investment under the amended Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Persons with disabilities often have difficulty finding housing that meets their specific needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $75 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for persons with disabilities. 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 make affordable housing available in Saskatchewan and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Block. “Here in Saskatoon, this initiative will help people in our community access suitable, affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“Our government is committed to affordable housing and we are pleased to work with the federal government in bringing these projects to fruition,” said Minister Harpauer. “Finding solutions to housing needs requires the support of many, and these projects clearly demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together to make life better for Saskatchewan citizens.”

“The City of Saskatoon looks forward to participating with the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan to help deliver much needed rental accommodation in Saskatoon,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “More rental accommodation is needed in our community and the City of Saskatoon has created a new Rental Rebate program with the ultimate goal of seeing 1,000 new rental units constructed across the city. These additional units will assist us with our goal.”

The first project will consist of two three-bedroom semi-detached homes for a total of four units. Each unit will be wheelchair-accessible and feature wider doorways, ramps, wheel-in showers and lower counter and light-switch heights. The estimated total cost is $1.1 million, of which $601,000 is funded under the amendment to the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement with a further $110,000 coming from the City of Saskatoon. A private incorporation known as DH2 will provide approximately $400,000 in land and financing for the construction of the project. Completion is expected in March 2010.

The second project, Bedford Road, will consist of two three-bedroom four-plexes for a total of eight units. Funded as a result of the two year extension of the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), the estimated total cost is $2.1 million, with $1.9 million provided through the amended Canada – Saskatoon Affordable Housing Program Agreement, and the balance coming from the City of Saskatoon. North Ridge Development Corporation will act as project contractor. Completion is expected in summer 2010.

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.

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT, February 19, 2009 — The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for the North and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today recognized the distinctive housing needs of the North, while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to funding of new social housing in the three territories.

Speaking on behalf of Minister Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Minister Strahl highlighted key initiatives from Budget 2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan that will benefit Northern Canadians, particularly in Nunavut.

“Our government recognizes that housing is fundamental to a good quality of life,” said Minister Strahl. “In the North, housing takes on a special importance, and brings particular challenges. That is why, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we have set aside $100 million for Nunavut, where the need for housing is greatest.”

“The investments our Government is making today will ensure Northerners have access to the housing they need to participate in the growing opportunities in the North,” said Minister Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut.

“Improving the quality of life for Nunavummiut is a priority of this government,” said Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak. “Not only will this funding construct new homes and it will also provide employment opportunities in local communities. Jobs, skills, and housing go a long way to raising our standard of living in Nunavut.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $200 million over two years to support the renovation and the construction of new social housing units in Canada’s territories. Nunavut, where the need for new social housing is greatest, will be allotted $100 million.

According to Moishe Alexander, funding will be delivered through CMHC to ensure a quick start to construction and renovation work.

Today’s announcement supports Canada’s integrated Northern Strategy that focuses on strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, protecting the North’s environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development, and improving and devolving northern governance.

This funding also builds on the Government’s September 2008 announcement for $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians and the $300 million Northern Housing Trust announced in 2006.

As Canada’s National Housing Agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

For more info:

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2009/2009-02-19-1500.cfm

OTTAWA, February 5, 2009 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Minister John Baird, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure, Transportation and Communities and Member of Parliament for Ottawa West – Nepean, highlighted key initiatives from Budget 2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan that will benefit many Canadians including low-income seniors, persons with disabilities, First Nations and those in Northern Canada.

“In a time of economic uncertainty, housing is of particular importance to Canadians,” said Minister Finley. “Strengthening the stock of social housing will help vulnerable Canadians, while also creating jobs and opportunities now for those in construction and other industries.”

“This investment in social housing will help Canadians on fixed incomes to live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends,” said Minister Baird. “This initiative is also a good way to get the economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly as well as help those who make a living producing or selling building and renovation materials.”

According to Moishe Alexander, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion over the next two years to address the need for renovation and energy retrofits to existing social housing. Renovations will include general improvements and energy efficiency upgrades. Canada’s Economic Action Plan also provides for $400 million to build more seniors housing, $75 million for new housing for persons with disabilities, and $600 million for new housing and repairs to existing housing on-reserve and in the North.

This builds on the Government’s September 2008 announcement for $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians.

More information on these and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/home-accueil-eng.asp.

The full report can also be found here:

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2009/2009-02-05-9000.cfm