Transportation and Works
September 14, 2009The following is being
distributed at the request of Newfoundland Labrador
Housing:
More Housing Options for Burin Seniors
Seniors on the Burin Peninsula now have access to a
new affordable housing complex built by the Marystown
Kinsmen, as a result of $600,000 in federal and
provincial funding under the Canada-Newfoundland and
Labrador Affordable Housing Program, which is equally
cost-shared.
The
Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin-Placentia West,
on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of
Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for
Newfoundland Labrador Housing, presided over the opening
ceremony today.
"We are dedicated to helping vulnerable Canadians
access suitable, affordable housing," said the
Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence
and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, on behalf of the
Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "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."
"The construction of this housing complex provides
seniors in the Burin area the opportunity to receive
housing assistance that meets their current needs, and
still remain close to family and friends," said Minister
Jackman. "The Provincial Government recently released a
new long-term vision for social housing, entitled A
Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador �
Secure Foundations. The Marystown Kinsmen Manor for
Seniors is an excellent example of strengthened
partnerships in action, and how such partnerships can
help attain our goal of providing more viable and
affordable housing options for lower-income households
throughout the province."
The Marystown Kinsmen Manor for Seniors consists of
two, one-bedroom units and four, two-bedroom units, one
of which is fully accessible. In addition to the funding
provided under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador
Affordable Housing Program, CMHC also provided $20,000
in seed funding to Marystown Kinsmen during the initial
planning stages.
"We are extremely proud of this project," said Russ
Murphy, Secretary of the Board for the manor. "It�s a
very rewarding feeling to be part of a project that you
know will help to make a positive difference in people�s
lives."
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, energy retrofits, and social
housing units for low-income seniors. Additionally, the
Federal and Provincial Governments recently announced a
joint investment of $93 million to build new and
renovate existing affordable housing over the next two
years. Overall, the provincial contribution is $50
million, and the federal government is contributing a
further $43 million.
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.
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