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

Newly Renovated Homes for Melville Native Housing Association

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador today joined the Melville Native Housing Association in celebrating the completion of renovations to 75 affordable social housing homes owned and managed by the association in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Contributions of $1.5 million were provided by both levels of government for a total investment of $3 million.

The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan - the Federal Government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments have contributed equally to these renovations through an overall investment of $58 million under the amended 2009 Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

“Our government is committed to supporting communities across Canada and giving a hand-up to those in need,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “Through investments to organizations such as the Melville Native Housing Association, we are helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to renovate their homes while creating jobs locally.”

“The Provincial Government is a proud partner of the Melville Native Housing Association, and we appreciate the fabulous work they do to provide quality, affordable housing for people in Labrador,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and its partners remain committed to improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes, which helps create strong and healthy communities.”

Funding in the amount of $175,000 was also made available for this project through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Modernization and Improvement Program. The combined investment of $3.17 million allowed for substantial renovation work to be completed by the Melville Native Housing Association, including the replacement of siding, doors, windows, and roofs for 75 units. The association is a volunteer, non-profit organization formed in 1985 to help address the housing needs of Aboriginal people residing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

“This was a tremendously important project for our organization, because it gave us the opportunity to make necessary and substantial upgrades to all of our 75 homes,” said Matthew Pike, Chairperson, Melville Native Housing Association. “We firmly believe investments in long-term affordable rental housing provide people with opportunities for a better future, and we thank the Federal and Provincial Governments for their continued support.”

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents some 12, 250 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

A key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors, and people who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which outlines a long-term vision for social housing. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf. 

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-schl.gc.ca. 

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2013 01 18                                 2:15 p.m.