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.