The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland Labrador Housing:

Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador
Help Fund 10 New Affordable Housing Units in Deer Lake

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), today announced $350,000 to support the construction of a new affordable housing development in Deer Lake.

Funding for this project has been made available through Canada's Economic Action Plan. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $58 million under the amended Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is taking concrete action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth," said Minister MacKay. "Funding new construction projects like these projects will not only improve the overall housing conditions, and quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable for years to come, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs."

"This development in Deer Lake is one of dozens of similar affordable housing announcements in the works that allow low-income seniors and persons with disabilities the option to live independently and with integrity," said Minister Hedderson. "Investing in projects that will help us better meet the needs of our seniors and persons with disabilities, is an integral part of our government's vision for the provision of social housing in Newfoundland and Labrador."

"We are grateful for the financial support that we have received under Canada's Economic Action Plan to make this project possible," said George Jacobs, President, 54642 Newfoundland and Labrador Ltd., Deer Lake. "This partnership between the federal and provincial governments and our company is helping to meet the housing needs of lower-income households in our area."

The project will involve the construction of 10 two-bedroom units; including one unit for persons with disabilities on Riverbank Road in Deer Lake. The federal/provincial funding includes $315,000 under Housing for Low-Income Seniors and $35,000 through Housing for Persons with Disabilities. The proponent will provide the remaining funding to cover the cost for the project. The anticipated completion date for this project is January 2012.

Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $475 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.

One of the key objectives for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Provincial priority is on rental housing for seniors, persons with disabilities and those who require supports to live independently in the community.

As part of Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future, the Provincial Government is investing $27million for housing infrastructure projects, affordable housing and increased maintenance funding over the coming fiscal year. This work is also in keeping with the goals of the Provincial Government's Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador — Secure Foundations. The plan outlines a new long-term vision for social housing aimed at increasing rental options for lower-income households and the supply of accessible housing, all helping to create healthier communities. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf.

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. 

Newfoundland Labrador Housing issued a proposal call for the above-noted project in spring 2009.

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2010 04 20                                                  10:05 a.m.