OTTAWA, Ontario — Today, the federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, as the federal co-chair, and Saskatchewan’s Minister of Social Services, the Honourable Gene Makowsky, as the provincial-territorial co-chair, hosted the annual in-person meeting of federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) housing ministers. Ministers also met, in a separate meeting, with national Indigenous leaders and representatives. It has been five years since FPT housing ministers signed the Housing Partnership Framework1, an historic agreement to work together to build better housing outcomes for Canadians. Ministers took stock of all the achievements and work accomplished to date, including investments and initiatives beyond the National Housing Strategy to address housing needs. Ministers agreed that there is still a lot more work to do and FPT collaboration will help achieve the best results for Canadians.
Discussions with national Indigenous leaders and representatives focused on shared housing priorities, including how governments can support Indigenous-led housing solutions to address the unique housing needs of Indigenous people. Ministers heard from national Indigenous leaders and representatives about their unique perspectives and challenges. Improving the quality and affordability of housing for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples is vital to building a prosperous and inclusive society.
The Ministers’ FPT meeting centered around improving access to affordable housing across Canada. Housing affordability and supply challenges are complex problems that require close collaboration and innovation among all orders of government, and with the private and non-profit sectors. FPT governments reaffirmed their commitment to work together in designing and implementing solutions to achieve better housing outcomes. Ministers also discussed how to better align initiatives and programs, while recognizing that addressing housing issues is not a “one size fits all” approach, and flexibility is required in program design and delivery to meet local needs. As partners in housing, Ministers committed to looking more closely at how they can better meet Canadians’ needs through shared investments and increased flexibility within housing initiatives and agreements.
The housing landscape has changed significantly in the last five years, and Ministers discussed these changes and the key issues affecting the sector. Communities across Canada continue to face elevated home prices, increased rates of homelessness, and challenges related to housing affordability, adequacy, and supply. Rising costs in the construction industry have also significantly increased the cost to build and repair homes. While these challenges have put pressure on federal, provincial, and territorial resources, Ministers remain committed to working together to maintain and expand affordable housing.
Ministers agreed to continue working together, and with Indigenous communities and partners across Canada to support Indigenous housing. Ministers also discussed the forthcoming federally funded Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. The 2023 federal budget commits $4 billion, over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement the Strategy, co-developed by the federal government with Indigenous governments, organizations, housing and service providers, in coordination with provincial and territorial governments.
Recognizing the range of issues and complex needs, which prevents many Canadians from finding and retaining affordable housing, Ministers engaged in a productive conversation on supportive housing and homelessness. Ministers agreed to work together to better align supportive housing and homelessness programs and explore further solutions, to ensure the most vulnerable Canadians become successfully housed.
Minister Makowsky announced that as Saskatchewan’s two-year term as PT co-chair of the FPT Forum on Housing will come to an end in December 2023, Manitoba will assume the next two-year PT co-chair term beginning in January 2024.
Quotes:
“Too many Canadians are struggling with the cost of housing. That’s why, at the federal level, we legislated the right to housing and are making historic investments to rapidly increase the supply of affordable housing through Canada’s first-ever National Housing Strategy. But we cannot solve the housing affordability crisis alone. Because housing is primarily a provincial and territorial area of jurisdiction, we will continue our collaboration on this. That’s why we are continuing to work in collaboration with the provinces and territories to advance the bold solutions needed to protect the affordability of existing housing and further increase the supply of new affordable housing.”
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Government of Canada
“Saskatchewan has been honoured to work with our provincial and territorial counterparts and with the federal government on the important housing issues facing Canadians. We look forward to meaningful collaboration with the Government of Canada as we strive to address the complex challenges around housing supply, affordability, and Canada’s growing issue of homelessness. I look forward to working with Manitoba as we transition the provincial co-chair responsibilities to their capable leadership on this important file.”
The Honourable Gene Makowsky, Minister of Social Services, Government of Saskatchewan
Quick facts:
• In 2018, ministers responsible for housing endorsed a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework, which recognizes federal, provincial and territorial governments as primary partners in housing. The multilateral Framework asserts a shared vision for housing and sets the foundation for the delivery of key National Housing Strategy (NHS) initiatives.
• The federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Forum on Housing is the primary intergovernmental forum to discuss housing policy and program design, as well as monitor and evaluate the state of housing in Canada. The Forum also provides opportunities to discuss the assessment of NHS effectiveness and shared knowledge to inform decision-making and priority setting by each government, as well as adjustments to FPT agreements where appropriate.
1 While it shares many of the objectives sought by other governments, Québec did not endorse the Housing Partnership Framework. Québec has a bilateral agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation outside of the National Housing Strategy.
Media contacts:
Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Shiraz Keushgerian
Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
shiraz.keushgerian@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Media Relations
Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services
mediamss@gov.sk.ca
Conference
Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Housing
(831-453)
June 27, 2023 – June 28, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, joined the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, and other provincial and territorial ministers at the annual meeting of federal, provincial and territorial housing ministers.
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today announced that a request for proposals has been issued for the creation of new affordable homes in the province’s rental market. This request for proposals builds on the more than 1,000 housing options that have been created over the last two years and further highlights the ongoing commitment to increase access to safe and affordable housing, and ultimately improving health and social outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
A technical briefing for media will be held at 2:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, June 7), in the 3rd Floor Boardroom, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Head Office, 2 Canada Drive, St. John’s, to discuss the request for proposals for the new Affordable Rental Housing Program. Minister Abbott will be available to speak with the media immediately following the briefing.
Media planning to participate are asked to confirm their attendance with Jenny Bowring at jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca.
Budget 2023 included a $70 million investment for a new, three-year, Affordable Rental Housing Program. The program will provide one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to support the development of more than 850 new affordable rental homes throughout the province. These new homes will be developed through partnerships with the private and community housing sectors. The program will focus on supporting seniors, as well as other vulnerable populations, including young adults, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, newcomers, women and children fleeing violence and people experiencing homelessness.
The proposal call and guidelines for both the Private Sector stream and a Community Housing Sector stream are available here. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will also be hosting live webinars over the next two weeks to review program details and to be available to answer questions. A recorded webinar will also be made available on the Corporation’s website. Interested proponents may contact: Jennifer Knight at jlknight@nlhc.nl.ca to register for a webinar session.
Quotes
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the opportunity to partner with our private and community housing sectors to develop affordable rental housing and support increased economic activity throughout the province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is thrilled with the announcement of the new Affordable Housing Program. This initiative is vital and we are thankful for the opportunity to provide feedback on the program. CHBA-NL looks forward to continuing to work with our government and its stakeholders to achieve the program’s goals.”
Alexis Foster
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador
-30-
Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing
Like us on Facebook
Media contact
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Fact Sheet: Investment in Affordable Housing
Program Overview
The Affordable Rental Housing Program provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the creation of affordable rental housing units throughout the province. The program is funded by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
There are two distinct application streams – the Private Sector Stream and the Community Housing Sector Stream. Successful proponents will own and manage their project and rent to lower income households at or below rates established by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. These rates will be based on annual rental market reports published by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
| Program Criteria | Private Sector Stream | Community Housing Sector Stream |
| Eligible Proponents | Private Owners/Operators | Non-Profit Organizations Housing Co-operatives Indigenous Organizations |
| Funding Per Unit | $55,000-$95,000 | $125,000-$180,000 |
| Affordability Period | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Max. Household Incomes | $42,000 | $38,000 |
| Application Window | Round 1: June-August 31, 2023 | Open-ended (subject to change) |
What determines the funding level?
The funding amount is derived from a combination of project location and incentive criteria designed to encourage viable projects and target desired program outcomes. An online self-assessment tool is available here to help determine the level of available financial assistance.
Housing projects that support the development of age-friendly communities enable Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including older adults with disabilities, to age in place with dignity and autonomy. For example, housing projects that include social or well-being multipurpose areas, inside and/or outdoors, contribute to age friendly design. Please contact the Affordable Housing Manager at arhp@nlhc.nl.ca or 709-724-3059 to discuss potential options for incorporating these elements, including related costs, within your project.
Additional Program Details
| Rate Type | Private Sector Rates | Community Housing Sector Rates | ||||||
| Bedroom | Bachelor | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | Bachelor | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
| St. John’s CMA | $665 | $730 | $880 | $840 | $585 | $645 | $775 | $740 |
| Island Communities | $650 | $700 | $795 | $820 | $575 | $620 | $705 | $725 |
| Labrador | $665 | $730 | $880 | $840 | $585 | $645 | $775 | $740 |
How to Apply
As part of the Provincial Government’s effort to improve health and social outcomes, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced plans to issue a call for proposals in May that will support the construction of more than 850 new affordable homes in the province’s rental market. This announcement stems from a new, three year, $70 million Affordable Housing Program that will include partnerships with private and non-profit sectors, municipalities and Indigenous organizations.
This is in addition to the more than 750 new housing options that have been created over the last two years or are under construction, in partnership with the Federal Government.
Joining Premier Furey in making the announcement was the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Alexis Foster, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador and Kelly Heisz, Executive Director of SeniorsNL.
Highlighted in Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. this new Affordable Housing Program will provide access to affordable housing for hundreds of families and individuals. The program will focus on seniors, and will support other vulnerable populations including young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness.
Quotes
“Every Newfoundlander and Labradorian deserves a safe space to call home, and our government recognizes that access to affordable housing is key to helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future. This $70 million investment for a new Affordable Housing Program allows us to develop a broad range of affordable rental housing options, throughout the province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home. Our success with past community housing initiatives has proven that working with our private and non-profit sectors and other partners to develop new safe and affordable housing options, enables us to go further and do more. The program will also generate significant economic benefits to the retail and labour sectors of the housing industry.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is thrilled with the announcement of the new Affordable Housing Program in Budget 2023. This program is vital and we look forward to working with our government and its stakeholders to achieve the program’s goals.”
Alexis Foster
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Inquiries to our organization from seniors looking for affordable housing have increased this year, especially as rents and the cost of living continues to rise. Easing the financial pressures that many seniors face is welcome news.”
Kelly Heisz
Executive Director
SeniorsNL
-30-
Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing
Like us on Facebook
Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, announced more than $4.8 million to support the construction of a new seven-unit, second-stage housing project in Labrador City.
The Government of Canada is contributing $3.4 million to the Hope Haven Transition House through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund’s Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) will also provide Hope Haven Transition House with $1.4 million through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
NLHC provides $9 million annually to the province’s 10 transition houses, of which Hope Haven receives approximately $700,000. This funding enables the transition houses to provide safe short-term accommodations, services and resources for women and children at risk of, or experiencing, violence.
In addition, Hope Haven Transition House will be contributing $50,000 towards the project, which will be constructed on property donated by the Town of Labrador City. The development will also receive a $200,000 contribution from the Iron Ore Company of Canada-Rio Tinto, as well as $5,000 from Tacora Resources. Construction is anticipated to commence in spring 2023, with a tentative completion date of July 2024.
This partnership between federal, provincial and community funding streams is a promising initiative that will cater to the housing needs of women and children who experience domestic or intimate partner violence in the Labrador West region. The project is a significant step towards addressing the housing challenges faced by vulnerable groups.
Quotes
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why our government is committed to ensuring the safety and stability of Canadians, including right here in Labrador City. The Hope Haven Transition House will be a place of sanctuary for women and their children escaping family violence and this investment is meant to foster healing, rebuild lives and greater independence. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
“Everyone deserves to live a life free of violence. Working together with our federal, municipal and community partners, we are creating safe, supportive and affordable housing options for women and children who are experiencing or at risk of violence. These initiatives show what we can accomplish for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by working collaboratively with partners.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Through the Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, our government is helping create safe environments where a child is able to learn and grow in a stable environment. This is why our government is providing funding to build and operate Hope Haven Transition House, right here in Labrador City. This will be a place of sanctuary for women and their children escaping family violence. It will provide an opportunity to rebuild lives and gain independence and will include access to critical support services.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador
“The second-stage housing project is the result of a collaborative effort by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to make a safe place for women and their children. Together with contributions from the Iron Ore Company of Canada, Tacora Resources, Hope Haven Transition House and the Town of Labrador City, the new housing unit will be a welcome addition in the community.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“Hope Haven has been providing services to women and their children experiencing violence in Labrador West for over 30 years. Second-stage housing will allow us to grow the continuum of supports and safe housing options and help reduce barriers for women leaving violence and abuse. Housing is a human right and is an essential piece of safety planning. We look forward to providing safe and affordable housing to our residents as we continue to work toward violence prevention.”
Nicole Young
Executive Director, Hope Haven Transition House
“IOC has been a partner of Hope Haven Women’s Transition House since it opened in 1989 in Labrador West. We have worked closely throughout the years to support education and awareness initiatives, fund programs, and partnered with them to provide a housing unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to commit $200,000 towards the second-stage housing project to help provide improved, safe and integrated services for women and children fleeing violence in our region.”
Mike McCann
President and CEO, Iron Ore Company of Canada-RioTinto
-30-
Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing
Like us on Facebook
Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Brittany Hendrych
Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
brittany-anne.hendrych@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
LR: Nicole Young, Ex Director; Lorraine Hinks, Constituent Rep,
Julia Mullaley, CEO, NLHC; Noreen Careen, Bd Member, NLHC; &
Minister John Abbott.