The following joint statement was issued on behalf of Social Development Minister Jill Green, who is also minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation; Prince Edward Island Housing, Land and Communities Minister Rob Lantz; Nova Scotia Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr; and Newfoundland and Labrador Children, Seniors and Social Development Minister Paul Pike, who is also minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:
A meeting was held September 28 between the Atlantic ministers responsible for housing. The ministers discussed topics of mutual concern, such as access to housing, housing affordability and supporting vulnerable populations.
As a result of the meeting, the ministers agreed as follows:
Quotes
“I was thrilled to host my counterparts and discuss how we can work collaboratively to improve housing options in Atlantic Canada. We share many of the same interests when it comes to housing. The collaboration and sharing of experience and expertise from across Atlantic Canada was productive. I would like to thank Minister Rob Lantz of Prince Edward Island, Minister John Lohr of Nova Scotia, Minister Paul Pike from Newfoundland and Labrador, and their teams for travelling and being so generous with their time and ideas.”
Honourable Jill Green
Minister of Social Development and Minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation
“The Atlantic region has a strong history of working together. This continues today and extends to strategizing on the issues of housing, affordability and supports to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes every opportunity to meet and collaborate with our other Atlantic colleagues to address the housing and homelessness needs in our region. Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to learn from each other and discuss best practices, innovative ideas, funding initiatives as well as identify opportunities to align and advance the priorities common across the Atlantic region.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“We are always pleased to gather with our neighbours and discuss what needs to be done to improve things for Atlantic Canadians. Our problems are not unique to each province, but our solutions may be. We can make the biggest difference for the region by continuing to work together and thinking differently.”
Honourable Rob Lantz
Minister of Housing, Land and Communities, Prince Edward Island
“The Atlantic region faces unique challenges and opportunities that we need to leverage to effectively address the housing crisis we are all facing. We know we can achieve more when we work together, and we can make a real difference to those in housing need by developing innovative solutions together.”
Honourable John Lohr
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Nova Scotia
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Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), toured the new Safe Haven Emergency Shelter in St. John’s yesterday.
In partnership with the Anglican Church of the Good Samaritan, the Safe Haven Shelter will provide a 40-bed staffed emergency shelter and an additional warming centre to accommodate up to 30 people in the winter months. Both will specifically serve the male population.
The shelter will operate as an overnight shelter between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., and will be managed across two large rooms with dedicated staff and security on site. Provincial funding of approximately $2 million is being provided through NLHC to operate the shelter.
Safe Haven was the successful proponent of a provincial Request for Proposals issued by NLHC on January 31, 2023, for low-barrier shelter services. The facility will accommodate an estimated 40 clients and operate from a harm reduction approach which serves individuals experiencing homelessness without judgement or preconditions of wellness or sobriety.
Individuals that are engaged in housing readiness and housing search services will be provided access to case managers and housing support staff during the day. The facility also has capacity and designated space to offer up to an additional 30-person warming centre, as may be needed, during the colder months.
This new shelter option will increase government’s ability to direct placements to a staffed shelter with appropriate supports and referrals.
Quotes
“The new Safe Haven Emergency Shelter, a low-barrier shelter for the St. John’s area, is a much welcomed addition to the community, and will complement existing services. The new facility will help address growing demands and further contribute to our collective efforts to support individuals to transition from shelter to more stable housing options. This response is a great example of strong partnerships between community and government, coming together with a shared focus and an overall goal of well-being and improving client outcomes.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Safe Haven Housing is excited to further our partnership with NLHC and the Good Samaritan Anglican Church. The opening of our male 40-bed emergency shelter and 30 bed warming center at 10 St Clare Ave will create an overnight model that will focus on harm reduction and supportive planning to move clients across the housing continuum. This opportunity will allow us to work with the most complex and marginalized clients in the community and provide a low-barrier space that can feel welcoming and safe.”
Ashley Bensaid
Executive Director, Safe Haven Shelter Services
“As we recognize the tremendous need for emergency shelter, The Anglican Church of the Good Samaritan is very pleased to partner with Safe Haven Housing to provide the second level of the church, which can house up to 40 homeless men and a 30-person warming centre. We believe that this is a wonderful use of our church building, and forwards the very purposes for which the Christian church exists.”
The Ven. Dr. Darrell Critch
Rector, Church of the Good Samaritan
Territorial Archdeacon, Eastern Canada
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Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Ashley Bensaid
Safe Haven Emergency Shelter
709-727-0043
bensaidhousing@gmail.com
The Ven. Dr. Darrell Critch
Rector, Church of the Good Samaritan
709-730-4641
As part of the heightened focus to improve access to affordable housing, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador visited Labrador West today, where he met with community leaders to discuss the many important housing initiatives underway in that region, along with the emergent housing needs.
Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs.
Budget 2023 includes the largest provincial housing investment in our history, with almost $140 million to provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians access to safe and affordable housing. Over the last two years, more than 750 new housing options have been created or are underway throughout the province. Budget 2023 also announced a new, three-year, $70 million Affordable Rental Housing Program to build over 850 new rental homes, which was launched in June.
Through strong partnerships with federal and municipal governments and community partners, we remain committed to investing in housing initiatives in the Labrador West region. These include:
Quotes
“Our government is firmly committed to addressing housing needs in Labrador West and helping to ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. These initiatives are a great example of our strong partnership with federal, municipal and community partners. Together, we will continue our important work of building strong and resilient communities here in Labrador West.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“A safe and affordable home is the cornerstone of social and economic growth and overall health and well-being. We look forward to continuing to work with our valued partners to create safe, affordable and inclusive communities in Labrador West, and to ensure supports for all residents, from young families to seniors. ”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Housing initiatives contribute directly to achieving progress on socio-economic goals and we know investment in housing is a driver of economic growth and community development. Our government is committed to partnering with all stakeholders to help make real progress on housing challenges in Labrador West.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister for Labrador Affairs
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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs
709-896-7935; 709-899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, today announced the official opening of four new affordable homes on 30 Mesher Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Minister Pike and MP Jones were joined at the announcement by Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville.
Total funding for the new development is approximately $787,000 in equally cost-shared federal and provincial funding, through the Canada-Newfoundland Labrador Bilateral Housing Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
Built by Churchill Construction Ltd., the four-unit building includes two fully wheelchair-accessible, one-bedroom units on the main level and two one-bedroom units on the second level. The main floor units include roll-in showers, wheelchair accessible kitchens and ‘no step’ entrances.
Universal Design features are incorporated throughout the property and include items such as widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, and lever-type door handles and faucets. Energy efficiency and sustainability are also key elements in the design and construction of the building.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement is a great example of how we can work together with our federal and municipal partners to expand the supply of safe, stable and affordable housing here in our province. Access to such housing is a key social determinant of health, and promotes social and economic inclusivity.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. By working closely with partners, we are creating four units of affordable housing for those who need it most throughout Labrador. Today’s announcement is a step forward in our ongoing efforts to deliver meaningful results and increased affordability for Canadians. This is just one of the many ways our government’s National Housing Strategy is ensuring no one is left behind.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
“Access to housing is a human right and is essential to one’s sense of dignity, safety and inclusion. This project is yet another example of what can be achieved when all orders of government work together. Through this collaboration with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to help ensure that the most vulnerable people living in Labrador have safe and affordable housing that allows them to thrive.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador
“I am pleased to see that the new four-unit building on Mesher Street has been completed and is ready for occupancy. Congratulations to the Federal Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for advancing this project under the National Housing Strategy, and to Churchill Construction for its construction skills and expertise.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“The completion of this important project now represents the start of new lives for the four families that will occupy these units. I am excited for the new tenants and want to recognize the financial contribution of the Provincial and Federal Governments, and the quality work by Churchill Construction Ltd.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville
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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
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Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs
709-896-7935
allanbock@gov.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.ca