Transportation and Works
May 2, 2013
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by
the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and
Labrador Housing Corporation:
NLHC Chair Receives Award for Contributions to Affordable Housing
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to congratulate Newfoundland
and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) and its Chairman and CEO, Len Simms,
who was honoured today in Ottawa with the 2013 Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation (CMHC) Award.
Sponsored by CMHC and presented by the Canadian Housing and Renewal
Association at its annual congress, the award recognizes outstanding
leadership and contributions to affordable housing.
Since joining NLHC in 2005, Len Simms has proven his unique ability to
connect with the community and support projects that provide affordable
housing options for those in greatest need while working to alleviate
homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, under his leadership, NLHC has modernized and improved 75 per
cent of its current social housing dwellings throughout the province. Mr.
Simms also advocated for, and facilitated increased funding for,
numerous other housing programs such as the Rent Supplement Program, which
now provides over 1,700 subsidized rental housing units in the private
sector.
With help from Mr. Simms, funding for the Supportive Living Program
quadrupled from $1.2 million to $4.8 million to create housing supports for
persons with complex needs. He has also advocated for a $750,000 investment
in the Train for Trades Program administered by Choices for Youth, which
provides opportunities for youth to gain skills and confidence to pursue
careers in the trades and other educational and career opportunities, to
name just a few of his many achievements.
Mr. Speaker, whether he’s visiting with tenants, meeting with non-profit or
private sector affordable housing developers, flipping pancakes at
homelessness fundraisers, or sleeping under the stars with youth
homelessness advocates, Mr. Simms keeps his finger on the pulse of social
housing needs throughout our province.
It is clear that he has a deep personal commitment to helping ensure those
most vulnerable have a safe and affordable place to call home. Through
his guidance and leadership NLHC has and will continue to break new ground
and increase affordable housing options for the people of Newfoundland and
Labrador.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation CEO Mr. Len Simms on receiving
the 2013 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Award.
2013 05 02
1:55 p.m.