The Government of Canada announced today an investment of $20.7 million, as part of the year one funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, 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 Whitecap Dakota community.

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs, stimulating the local economy and improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in Saskatchewan,” said Minister Yelich.

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.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, some $60 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Saskatchewan to address immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate more than $9.1 million to retrofit over 650 housing units on-reserve in Saskatchewan, as well as $11.5 million for subsidy associated with 63 new housing units to be constructed in seven First Nations communities in Saskatchewan.

“Our First Nation is very pleased to be part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Greater energy efficiency is important to every one of the family members who live in these retrofitted homes. And this investment is also very important to our Whitecap community which continues to grow,” said Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota. “In order to ensure the work could be undertaken on time and completed on schedule, we have witnessed yet another positive outcome of this investment with the creation of Whitecap Construction, the community owned company that is undertaking the construction project. Our families, our workforce with its journeymen and apprentices, along with our entire community is, by far, the better for this project.”

Funding in the amount of $679,500 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 overall investment of $132 million under the amended Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement. Other funding includes $400,000 from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and $54,500 from the City of Prince Albert.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is helping Canadians during these tough economic times,” said MP Hoback. “Here in Prince Albert, this achievement gives a hand-up to low-income youth who need safe, affordable housing that meets their needs. This is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly.”

“Our government is pleased to help provide safe, affordable housing for at-risk youth in the community of Prince Albert,” MLA Darryl Hickie said. “This aligns with our vision of putting vulnerable people first and helping them build better lives for themselves. Affordable housing is a key component of that.”

“Affordable housing is a community matter and this project is another example that, by working together, we can respond to the needs of individuals and families who are most vulnerable, by providing safe, secure and affordable housing for all,” said Mayor Jim Scarrow. “This project will provide these individuals with a home for a successful transition to living independently. Together we can build a greater city and province.”

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 $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

The eight-plex, located at 74 – 18th Street West in Prince Albert, will provide safe, affordable housing for very low-income youth with mental health and cognitive disabilities. Four of the units will be for those who are also homeless or at risk of homelessness. The residence is located within walking distance of the downtown core and a local drop-in centre, The Nest, which provides meals and programs that address independent living skills and employment initiatives.

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 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 the province. The Government of Saskatchewan will match that commitment for a total of $148 million to assist those in housing need and, in collaboration with other levels of government and community partners, to make various types of affordable housing programs possible. In Saskatchewan, federal-provincial housing programs are delivered through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island today announced a joint investment to build new affordable housing on the Island. The bundled announcement represents a total of 21 affordable rental units for persons with disabilities and is made possible in part through a $775,000 investment from the Canada – P.E.I. Affordable Housing Agreement.

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Prince Edward Island, 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 Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is dedicated to helping those in need in Prince Edward Island through these tough economic times,” said Minister Shea. “Through projects like these, our government is providing safe affordable housing to many residents in our community while creating jobs and stimulating our economy.”

“We’re pleased to partner with the Federal Government on these significant initiatives for the City of Summerside and the community of Hunter River,” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “The Hunter River project is in line with the provincial government’s Rural Action Plan which supports the continued provision of essential services in rural communities.”

Today’s announcement recognized funding for three multi-unit affordable housing projects in Prince Edward Island. Scotcor Rentals Inc., Community Connections Inc. and HR Holdings Ltd. are developing the buildings at three separate locations in Summerside and Hunter River, near schools, businesses and community services.

The Canada – Prince Edward Island Affordable Housing Agreement involves an investment of $8.32 million in affordable housing in Prince Edward Island. To date, more than 155 units have been supported by the Agreement in rural and urban communities across P.E.I.

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.”

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of St.Thomas celebrated the start of construction of 12 affordable rental units in two housing developments. The developments are supported by over $924,000 in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London, 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 Steve Peters, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London on behalf of the Government of Ontario; along with Cliff Barwick, Mayor of St.Thomas, made the announcement.

“This is great news for families in St.Thomas,” said MP Preston. “These new apartments will provide suitable, affordable housing for deserving families, and create jobs in our community.”

“New housing initiatives add significant support to the provincial government’s efforts to reduce poverty,” said MPP Peters. “The Government of Ontario will continue to work with its federal and municipal partners to ensure new affordable housing units are built during the life of this program.”

Today’s announcement recognized two affordable housing projects funded through the two-year extension of the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program:

• Funding of $480,000 for a six-unit affordable housing project for low-income households at 89 ½ Fairview Avenue.
• Funding of $444,000 for a six-unit affordable housing project for low-income households at 5 Park Avenue.

“The City of St. Thomas is very grateful to the federal and provincial governments for providing financial assistance under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program,” said Mayor Cliff Barwick. “This new apartment building will provide much-needed affordable housing for twelve families in the community.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement 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.

Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and to the Minister of Labour; John Gerretsen, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and The Islands and Minister of the Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Harvey Rosen, Mayor of the City of Kingston, attended the event.

“The Government of Canada is helping make affordable housing available in Kingston and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki. “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 Kingston community.”

“Our government is committed to developing better ways to meet the housing needs of Ontario’s vulnerable,” said Minister Gerretsen. “The benefits of projects like these ripple beyond the people who live here — our entire community reaps the rewards of new, safe and sustainable housing.”

Today’s announcement recognized three affordable housing projects in Kingston funded under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program:

* The official opening of a 93-unit building sponsored by R. Paul Martin Construction. The project received more than $2 million from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The building will be occupied by individuals and families living on low and moderate income.
* The official opening of 24 units sponsored by Kingston Home Base Non — Profit Housing Inc. The project received $1.7 million from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program and will be occupied by individuals with special needs and living on low income.
* The start of construction of 47 units sponsored by Frontenac Community Mental Health Services. The project received more than $3.8 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The building will be occupied by low income individuals with special needs.

The federal and provincial allocations to the projects were complemented by about $660,000 in municipal grants and 67 units will receive ongoing financial assistance through the municipally funded rent supplement program.

“The City of Kingston is pleased to continue to work with our Federal/Provincial partners in the creation of new, safe, secure and affordable housing units,” said Mayor Harvey Rosen. “On behalf of the City of Kingston, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff and Board members of Home Base Housing, Frontenac Community Mental Health Services and Mr. Paul Martin, on the occasion of the official opening of their affordable housing communities. Through their efforts, 164 residents have been able to find a new and permanent place to call home.”

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.

In 2008, 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.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in British Columbia and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “These new units provide more options for individuals in need of suitable, supportive housing, and are important to the economic and social well-being of the Vancouver Community.”

The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided a $4.75 million grant and the project as a whole also received financing in the form of a $2.86 million CMHC insured mortgage. The Province provided $12.88 million towards the capital costs through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative and will provide an ongoing operational subsidy.

“Over 90 people who don’t have homes and want to make positive changes in their lives will now have greater access to supportive housing, helping them forge a path towards long-term health and independence,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. “The opening of the Lux is part of our Government’s commitment to provide more supportive housing options to Downtown Eastside residents.”

The City of Vancouver provided the land, with a value of $885,000, as a no-charge 60-year lease and $1.05 million for the commercial units.

“The Lux demonstrates the positive outcomes from all levels of government uniting with community partners to help those most in need,” said Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson. “This is another step towards revitalizing the community in the Downtown Eastside and helping our city break the cycle of homelessness.”

Vancouver Coastal Health will provide annual operational funding to administer programs and support services to tenants, including life skills education and local health service guidance.

“Offering housing with a range of integrated supports gives people the resources they need to embark on a stable path, regaining control of their health and establishing greater self-reliance,” said Allyson Muir, Manager, Mental Health and Addictions Housing in Vancouver Community at Vancouver Coastal Health. “Partnerships between government and community are the cornerstones that help people most in need transition into a more independent living situation.”

RainCity Housing and Support Society manages and operates the Lux and provides innovative, outcome-oriented programs and services for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges.

“We believe in a home for every person and building upon the strengths of our community and each individual,” said RainCity Housing and Support Society representative. “Thanks to our great partnerships with all levels of government, we are able to further promote our mission and facilitate hope, opportunity and change for the most vulnerable people.”

The Province has committed to creating more than 4,000 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. For the 2009/10 fiscal year, the Province’s budget for shelters and affordable housing is over $469 million — more than four times what it was in 2001.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Peterborough today celebrated the opening of 48 new affordable rental units. This project is supported by $3.36 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Paul Ayotte, Mayor of Peterborough; and project sponsor Amit Sofer, President of the TVM Group attended the event.

“When it comes to building safe and strong communities, it takes the efforts of many to achieve success. It takes partnerships at all levels of government to get real results,” said MP Del Mastro. “This project demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together.”

“Through the construction of safe affordable housing, we are helping vulnerable people establish and maintain the stability that many of us take for granted,” said MPP Leal. “I am very proud that the provincial and federal governments have joined together to create this complex. These units are going to make a significant difference in the lives of many families in our area.”

Today’s announcement recognized the official opening of 443 Reid Street, a school that was converted into a 48-unit complex sponsored by TVM Schoolhouse Inc. The $5.6 million project will be occupied by low income individuals and families and individuals with special needs.

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by over $653,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“The City of Peterborough is pleased to see this historic building continue to provide a benefit to the community by providing people with disabilities an accessible place to live,” said Mayor Ayotte. “We are grateful to The TVM Group and Kawartha Participation Projects for their dedicated commitment to serve our community.”

“The TVM Group is very proud to present these 48 units. 443 Reid Street is a special, purpose-built conversion of a historic school property which became surplus into a heritage designated fully accessible affordable residential complex,” said Mr. Sofer President of The TVM Group. “This adaptive reuse has preserved an important community asset, and ensured its long-term contribution to 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.