June 2016 - Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Committed to Improving Housing Outcomes for Canadians

The following was issued by Federal, Provincial and Territorial Housing Ministers of Canada

June 28, 2016 – Victoria, British Columbia – Federal, Provincial and Territorial Housing Ministers

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for housing met today to discuss key priorities for housing in Canada.

Ministers agreed to move forward with a renewed federal, provincial and territorial collaboration in housing based on integrity, openness and respect. Ministers discussed the development of a National Housing Strategy and agreed that a long term vision is essential for meeting the housing needs of Canadians.

All Canadians have access to housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. Housing is the cornerstone of building sustainable, inclusive communities and a strong Canadian economy where we can prosper and thrive.

A National Housing Strategy to achieve positive outcomes for Canadians requires collaboration among many partners. Federal, provincial and territorial collaboration will:

recognize and respect each other’s specific roles and responsibilities;
build upon and complement provincial and territorial strategies; and
recognize that flexibility and sustainability are required to address varied housing challenges, including those facing Indigenous people and Canada’s North.

Canadians will be able to have their say online and through other consultations on a National Housing Strategy. Roundtable discussions with Indigenous and other communities, key stakeholders and housing experts will be convened by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in the summer and early fall. Feedback from the consultations will be brought back to ministers when they meet again in the fall.

QUOTES:

“The National Housing Strategy will build on existing collaboration between federal, provincial and territorial governments and seek to achieve better housing outcomes for Canadians. We are eager to start consulting Canadians on a long-term strategy for housing in Canada.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“We are pleased that the federal government recognizes the provinces and territories as primary partners in housing. Our renewed collaboration will strengthen and support the work provinces and territories are already doing to achieve positive housing outcomes for our citizens. Working together to develop a National Housing Strategy will help reach our shared goal of making sure all Canadians have access to housing that is safe and affordable.”
– The Honourable Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Housing, Government of British Columbia

*While it shares a number of objectives with the other governments in the area of housing, the province of Quebec indicated that it did not intend at this stage to sign on to a National Housing Strategy, but would participate in working toward the development of such a strategy with a view to sharing information.

Minister Announces Supportive Living Funding for Gathering Place

The Gathering Place in St. John’s is receiving $60,000, provided through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Supportive Living Program (SLP), to fund a full-time Volunteer Coordinator position. The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh made the announcement today.

“We are very pleased to be able to partner with the Gathering Place to fund this new position. This organization coordinates the efforts of more than 300 people to help deliver a wide array of programs and services to those who need them the most within our community. A designated full-time position to help coordinate the volunteers and deliver these programs is essential to its success.”
– The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Supportive Living Program enables 35 non-profit, community-based groups operating 46 projects throughout the province to help individuals with complex needs find housing and maintain long-term housing stability.

“It is rare to have an organization like the Gathering Place operated primarily by volunteers. We and the guests of the Gathering Place are blessed to have so many women and men give their time and their talents freely and generously. This money from the Supportive Living Program will enable us to make the best use of the generosity of our more than 300 volunteers. We are deeply grateful that government is a partner with us in this important work.”
– Sister Elizabeth Davis, Co-chair, The Gathering Place

Established in 1994 by the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters, the Gathering Place provides a caring environment with services that include a noon meal program, a Monday breakfast program, a clothing supply boutique and social activities. Through community partnerships, professional services in health care, housing assistance and social work are also provided. For further information about The Gathering Place, visit: www.gatheringstjohns.ca/

QUICK FACTS:

NLHC’s Supportive Living Program is providing $60,000 to help fund a full-time Volunteer Coordinator position for the Gathering Place
The Gathering Place has more than 300 volunteers who help to help deliver a wide array of programs and services within the community.
The Supportive Living Program funding enables 35 non-profit, community-based groups to operate 46 projects, province-wide to help individuals with complex needs.

– 30 –

Media contacts:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
709-729-1928, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Joanne Thompson
Director, Gathering Place
709-753-3234
joannethompson@gatheringstjohns.ca