Seniors with low and fixed incomes have a new place to call home in Lewisporte thanks to joint funding from the Provincial and Federal Governments under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program. The Ultimate Goal Retirement Village, an 18-unit seniors complex that provides below-market rental rates, was officially opened today.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte, on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing, made the announcement.

"We are dedicated to helping vulnerable Canadians access suitable, affordable housing," said Minister Finley. "Our government will continue to invest in improvements to existing social housing both in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, as a means to stimulate our economy during the global recession."

"On behalf of the Provincial Government, I commend all the partners involved in this initiative," said Mr. Verge. "The Williams Government is committed to providing our seniors with quality, affordable housing. The investment we have made to make this facility a reality is evidence of that commitment. Seniors in the Lewisporte area will benefit from this housing initiative for years to come."

The Ultimate Goal Retirement Village consists of 18, two-bedroom units, one of which is fully accessible. Under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program, the Federal and Provincial Governments provided $280,000 towards the construction of eight units, with the proponent covering the balance of the cost for the eight units, plus the total cost of the remaining ten units.

"This is an important day for our community, and a proud day for our company," said Bert Twyne, President of the Ultimate Goal Inc. "We are committed to providing quality accommodations to those who need it most, and we are very pleased that the Affordable Housing Program was able to assist us in fulfilling our mandate."

Recently, the federal and provincial governments announced a joint investment of $93 million to build new and renovate existing affordable housing throughout the province over the next two years. Overall, the provincial contribution is $50 million, with the Federal Government contributing a further $43 million.

As part of Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government will invest $14.55 million for building, renovating and retro-fitting social housing infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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.

CMHC has been Canada�s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes and making vibrant and sustainable communities and cities a reality across the country.

- 30 -

Media contacts: