The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) is pleased to welcome delegates from around the world to share best practices in circumpolar housing construction at the Northern Housing Forum to be held in Inuvik from March 22 to 25, 2010.

“The Forum will highlight northern housing research, design and construction, while fostering relationships with others who deliver housing in northern climates. It will provide an opportunity for stakeholders from across the circumpolar world to share the designs and technologies that are appropriate for our northern environment,” said the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for the NWTHC.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Northern Housing Forum as part of our commitment to sustainable housing and communities,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Building on innovations such as the Northern Sustainable House initiative will enable us to find solutions to the unique housing challenges of Canada’s arctic communities.”

Dynamic keynote speakers, panel members and delegates from around the world will come together in Inuvik to participate in the Northern Housing Forum. Experts from Sweden, Finland, Norway, the United States and Canada will challenge delegates to envision new ways to improve energy efficiencies, housing design and delivery.

Scheduled panels will cover topics ranging from climate change and adaptive strategies for the North, strategies examining existing buildings and how they can be made more energy-efficient, costing lessons, capacity building in arctic communities and much more. There will be a focus on emerging technologies and new approaches to the creation of real-world sustainable, affordable and highly efficient buildings that exceed expectations in a northern climate.

Minister McLeod added that the NWTHC is committed to constructing homes that meet the most stringent energy-efficiency standards, while remaining affordable.

“To maintain the highest standards, we must have the very best information. It’s by sharing experiences from architects, researchers, contractors, tradespersons and other housing professionals from across northern Canada and other arctic nations that we can learn what is working in the field and what can be applied in the Northwest Territories to the sustainable housing future we are building for northerners.”

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of more than $800,000 as part of the year one funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for First Nation communities in the Okanagan – Coquihalla region in British Columbia.

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 today.

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs, stimulating the local economy and improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in British Columbia, “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.

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.

Specifically, CMHC will allocate $812,706 to retrofit 71 housing units on-reserve in the Okanagan – Coquihalla region.

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.”

Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Henry Clarke, Deputy Mayor of Peterborough on behalf of Paul Ayotte, Mayor of Peterborough; and Bonnie Clark, Chair of Peterborough Housing Corporation made the announcement.

“This is great news for families and individuals in Peterborough. Our Government is providing a hand-up to those families in need,” said MP Del Mastro. “Through projects like these, our government is stimulating the economy and creating jobs to help Canadians recover from the economic downturn.”

“The province is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP Leal. “Investment in affordable housing is not only a fundamental support for individuals and families trying to break the cycle of poverty, it also improves job prospects and supports local trades and business.”

Today’s announcement recognized the official opening of 30 affordable housing units at Saunders Court, located at 130 Anson Street. The project for households with low incomes and persons with special needs is sponsored by the Peterborough Housing Corporation.

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by $355,459 in municipal financial incentives.

“Saunders Court is an exciting new development that will provide 30 new affordable housing units in the City of Peterborough,” said Mayor Paul Ayotte. “Peterborough Housing Corporation is to be congratulated for their continued efforts to create housing opportunities for low-income households in Peterborough.”

“We believe this building is our best effort yet”, said Bonnie Clark, Chair of Peterborough Housing Corporation. “This site has been part of a continuum of service to the community for nearly a century, as both a refuge and home for those in need.”

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.

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.

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 Government of Canada announced today an investment of almost $2.3 million as part of the year one funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for the James Smith Cree Nation, Peter Chapman Band and Chakastaypasin Band communities.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC), Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, made the announcement today.

“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 Finley.

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 and INAC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that quality housing is a fundamental building block for every First Nation family and community,” said Minister Strahl. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government invested $400 million over two years dedicated to new and renovated social housing projects, which includes $60 million for First Nations in Saskatchewan.”

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 almost $550,000 to retrofit 20 existing social housing units and more than $1.4 million in subsidy associated with the construction of eight new social housing units. In addition, INAC will contribute $386,000 for major renovations to 15 housing units. This funding will go a long way to help improve housing conditions in these First Nation communities.

On behalf of the combined 2800 band members, the three Chiefs wish to acknowledge the Canadian Economic Action Plan’s initiative to stimulate the Canadian Economy by investing millions of dollars in First Nation communities. These investments in First Nation housing and infrastructure allow for an increased standard of living and the continued delivery of essential services to our ever-increasing populations. Furthermore, the members wish to acknowledge the hard work, cooperation, and organizational efforts of the Canadian Government, the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in the implementation of the CEAP funding.

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, the Region of Waterloo and the City of Cambridge today celebrated the start of construction of Heartwood Place on Ainslie. This development is supported by over $4.6 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science & Technology), (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Honourable John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Waterloo Regional Chair, Ken Seiling; Mayor of Cambridge, Doug Craig, and Chair of the Heartwood Place Board, Mary Bales, attended the event.

“This is great news for individuals and families in Cambridge,” said Minister of State Gary Goodyear. “These new apartments will provide more rental options for those in need of suitable, affordable housing, and are important to the economic and social well-being of the community.”

“Heartwood Place on Ainslie is an example of our government commitment to improve the lives of Ontarians and build healthier communities,” said MPP Milloy. “I would like to congratulate the developer, our partners in other levels of government and community groups for making this project a reality.”

When completed, Heartwood Place on Ainslie will have 66 affordable units for low-income families and singles. The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by more than $536,000 in municipal financial incentives by the City of Cambridge and more than $342,000 by the Region of Waterloo. To date, over $1.4 million in community donations has been raised in support of this project.

“The people behind Heartwood Place on Ainslie have been long time partners in the development of affordable housing in our community,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “Through their ongoing generous contributions of time and money, our residents will now have more options for safe and affordable housing in Cambridge.”

“We are tremendously excited to see the continuous transformation of our downtown cores. This redevelopment of the former Cambridge Reporter site in Galt on the Grand incorporates a courtyard for the residents and the building is designed to complement heritage features of the surrounding neighbourhood,” said Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig.

“Celebrating the commencement of this project is a significant moment for our organization,” said Mary Bales, Chair of the Heartwood Place Board. “It took six years to address the issues of contamination on the site and reach the point of construction. Thanks to everyone, including all levels of government, donors, committed volunteers and staff for helping us achieve our goal. Special thanks to Todd Smith of Torstar, Thomas Franz of Franz Environmental and to Al Way of Jamesway Construction for their commitment to this project.”

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.

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.

The $799,000 federal contribution to the project comes through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. Recognizing the distinctive needs of the North, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $200 million, over two years, including $50 million for Yukon to support the renovation and the construction of new social housing units. 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 Government of Canada is committed to providing a hand up to those who need it the most,” said Senator Lang. “We are helping make an important difference in the lives of children and youth in Whitehorse who are trying to build a better future for themselves.”

“Yukon Housing Corporation is dedicated to providing housing for Yukoners,” said Jim Kenyon. “This boost in funding towards the Children’s Receiving Home will help ensure a safe place for youth who need it.”

The Children’s Receiving Home is a temporary home for children and youth who have been removed from their families because of abuse or neglect, and who need a period of assessment and stabilization. The funding announced today will go toward the construction of the eight units in this new facility. The new facility will be 4,200 square feet in size and built to the Yukon’s Super GreenHome standard for maximum energy efficiency.

“Yukon government is very excited about the construction of the new children’s receiving home,” said Minister Hart. “The old facility was no longer adequate for current programming needs and we are looking forward to a new safe and healthy environment for the young people who will live there.”

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.
More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.