The Government of Canada announced today an investment of close to $1.8 million, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to improve housing conditions for the Penticton and Snuneymuxw First Nations communities.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia – Pacific Gateway, 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 in Penticton.
“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in First Nation communities in British Columbia and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said Minister Day.
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over 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, some $50 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in British Columbia to address immediate housing needs.
CMHC will allocate more than $7 million to build 43 new housing units on-reserve in British Columbia. Of this funding, Penticton First Nation and Snuneymuxw First Nation will receive close to $1.8 million to build 12 new housing units.
“We are pleased to welcome this new housing construction that has come to us at a time when both the Penticton leadership and community members have identified our housing needs as a priority,” said Jonathan Kruger, Chief of the Penticton First Nation. “This ensures the health and safety of our Elders, children and membership through sustainable homes and is of utmost importance to the Band.”
“These new homes are a step toward addressing our longstanding housing needs and help us build our community’s equity. We have been able to provide seven new homes as well as an opportunity for some of our community members to work in construction,” said Snuneymuxw First Nation’s Chief Douglas White III. “This project represents a major life change for seven families — they will have a home to call their own! It has been a huge opportunity for our Nation and our members welcome these important new homes.”
Funding of $2.1 million for 28 new affordable housing rental units for seniors, persons with disabilities, and other low income households was announced today in Port Elgin.
Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron – Bruce, 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; along with Bill Goetz, Warden of the County of Bruce, and Mike Smith, Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores made the announcement.
“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors, persons with disabilities and other low income households who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Lobb. “This investment is possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”
“New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said MPP Mitchell. “We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program.”
“Bruce County is very pleased to be able to build affordable housing homes,” said Warden Bill Goetz. “The 28 unit apartment building will help to address the housing needs for residents in Saugeen Shores.”
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 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.
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.
Today’s announcement celebrates the funding for 28 new affordable rental units at 725 Wellington Street. The project is sponsored by Bruce County Housing Corporation.
The Government of Canada announced today that the City of Saint John has been approved for two infrastructure loans as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The announcement was made by Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, 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 City of Saint John has been approved for more than $1.4 million in low-cost loans from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP) for the reconstruction of Braemar Drive, Brunswick Drive and Paul Harris Street.
“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said MP Weston. “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 Saint John, but also for New Brunswick.”
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.
“Renewing our infrastructure is a priority for this Council,” said City of Saint John Mayor Ivan Court. “Programs such as Canada’s Economic Action Plan are helping us to achieve this goal.”
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.