"Today our government presents the first long-term, progressive, social housing plan for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Taylor. "We present this plan as a secure foundation, in support of our Poverty Reduction Strategy, to improve the housing circumstances of lower-income households and help create healthier communities. This

plan builds on the housing initiatives and investments made in recent years, as the Williams Government continues its commitment to sustainable, affordable housing in our province."

Valuable input into the development of the plan was achieved through province-wide consultations to develop a social housing vision and policy that was efficient, effective, affordable and in the best public interest. This plan is built on a vision where all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to secure and affordable housing, with goals of: increased emphasis on individual well-being and strengthened communities; strengthened partnerships and management practices; and improved housing assistance. The development of this plan and its implementation is lead by a ministerial committee chaired by Minister Taylor, with representation and input from the Ministers of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Health and Community Services, and Justice.

This social housing plan is in keeping with the Provincial Government�s Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework; Long-Term Care and Community Support Services; the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador; and the Provincial Policy Framework for Mental Health and Addictions Services.

In Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government committed $23.6 million for housing investments throughout the province for items such as social housing renovations and energy retrofits, social housing units for low-income seniors and a Provincial Homelessness Fund to help non-profit community groups provide wrap-around services vital to supporting complex needs clients. Additionally, the Provincial Government recently announced a $50 million investment towards $93 million in funding cost-shared with the Federal Government to build new affordable housing and renovate existing social housing units throughout the province over the next two years.

Media contacts:

A vision of a province where Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to secure and affordable housing.

Strategic Directions:

Working with partners so that housing assistance is part of an integrated approach to well-being and community building;