Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Announce $18.5 Million Investment in Social Housing

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are making a significant cost-shared investment in housing throughout the Province.

Eight families will soon be moving into newly constructed affordable housing units on Froude Avenue in St. John’s. The $1.5 million housing investment is cost-shared between the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador under the National Housing Strategy.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC),via live video stream, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable John Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) viewed the new homes today.

The eight-unit building includes four wheelchair-accessible, two-bedroom units on the main level, and four two-bedroom units on the second level. Universal Design features were used throughout the building and include items such as ‘no step’ level entry building entrances, widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, lever-type door handles, grab bars and minimal flooring transitions.

Energy efficiency was also a key element in the design and construction of the building. These homes exceed the energy performance requirements in the National Building Code and meet the Provincial Government’s ‘Build Better Buildings’ policy.

The remaining $17 million in funding will support additional investments on repairs to NLHC social housing units in 2021-22, including vacancies requiring major repairs in order to be available to new tenants. This includes repairs to reopen 10 homes in Labrador West and three homes in Nain for families in need.
 
Quotes

“Safe, stable and affordable housing – a place to call home – is essential to the social, financial and physical well-being of individuals, families and our communities.  Investments in our social housing will ensure that this important public asset will be available to those most in need today, and well into the future.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
 
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home and today’s announcement brings us a step closer to making that a reality. We’re proud partners in making these important investments that will go a long way for families in St. John’s and across the province. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and
Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
 
“Nothing is more important than a home. St. John’s families work hard and deserve a safe and affordable place to call home. The collaboration shown between the Government of Canada and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador demonstrates a commitment to that belief. Together we are building a generation of new, permanent housing that we can all be proud of.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Natural Resources and
MP for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl
 
“We look forward to welcoming our new families to our community. Continued investments in repairs, including energy efficiency and accessibility modifications to better serve our province’s aging population, are key elements in the long-term sustainability of our social housing portfolio.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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Learn More

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

National Housing Strategy

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

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

Audrey-Anne Coulombe
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
acoulomb@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

 

NLHC Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients and Accepts Applications for 2021 Scholarships

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is pleased to announce the 2020 scholarships to support tenants pursuing post-secondary studies. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000.

 

Youth Scholarships are awarded based on the student’s Academic or Honours graduation average as set by the Department of Education. Adult scholarships are awarded based on reviews that assess need, initiative, and community involvement.

 

The following are the 2020 NLHC scholarship recipients:

 

Youth scholarship winners:

  • Amber Blundon, St. John’s, a graduate of Holy Heart of Mary High School, attending the College of the North Atlantic
  • Braden Clarke, Whitbourne, a graduate of Crescent Collegiate, attending Academy Canada
  • Hannah Pearce, Conception Bay South, a graduate of Queen Elizabeth Regional High School, attending Memorial University

 

Adult scholarship winners:

  • Carrie Bradbury, St. John’s, attending Keyin College
  • Shane Emberley, Stephenville, attending College of the North Atlantic
  • Mary Francis, Marystown, attending College of the North Atlantic
  • Ashley Hart, Corner Brook, attending Queens University
  • Heather Slade, Grand Falls-Windsor, attending Keyin College
  • Anna Tucker, St. John’s, attending Keyin College

 

NLHC is now accepting applications for the 2021 Scholarship Program. Eligibility guidelines can be found here.

 

Quote
“I commend all of the scholarship recipients for their commitment to academic achievement, particularly during a year that saw great change and uncertainty due to COVID-19. My sincere congratulations to each of the recipients and I wish them continued success in their post-secondary pursuits.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

 

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Learn More

NLHC 2021 Scholarship Program Information

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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

Appointments Announced for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Board of Directors

The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today announced five new appointments and one re-appointment to the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Board of Directors.

Appointed for three-year terms, the members include:

  • George Andrews;
  • Bernard Bromley;
  • Noreen Careen;
  • Liz Palmera-Nunez;
  • Darlene Spracklin-Reid;
  • Rhonda Neary (re-appointment as Chairperson of the Board)

Current Board member David Loveys was also appointed as Vice-Chairperson of the Board. Biographies for the appointed and reappointed members are provided in the backgrounder below.

These appointments were recommended though the merit-based Independent Appointments Commission. Members of the public interested in opportunities to serve on provincial agencies, boards and commissions are encouraged to complete an application at www.iacnl.ca.

 

Quote

“I’m very pleased to welcome these new members to the Board of Directors of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board and, along with current members, will play an important role in assisting the corporation to effectively serve the housing needs of our vulnerable populations.”

Honourable Brian Warr

Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

 

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Media contact

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

 
BACKGROUNDER

 

Biographies of the Appointed and Reappointed Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Board of Directors

 

George Andrews

George Andrews is currently the Officer In Charge with Labrador Marine Communications and Traffic Services with the Canadian Coast Guard in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Born in Labrador, he has extensive experience through many sectors of the community. Mr. Andrews sits as President of the Board of Directors of Terrington Consumers Cooperative. With his many years of working and managing in an emergency operational environment, he serves on the Provincial 911 Board. In addition, as a sitting member of the Labrador Appeals Board, he often calls on his experience as a former real estate agent, Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose. His involvement in many community organizations shows how he enjoys helping others.

 

Bernard Bromley

Bernard Bromley worked with community newspapers in Newfoundland and Labrador for more than three decades. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Bromley was owner and publisher of the Northern Pen, the weekly newspaper serving the Great Northern Peninsula and Southern Labrador. He has been involved in municipal politics, the St. Anthony and Area Chamber of Commerce and various community groups for many years including the St. Anthony and Area Food Sharing Association, where he served as Chairman for 14 years. Mr. Bromley also served as vice-chairman of St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. for five years. He resides in St.  Anthony.

 

Noreen Careen

Noreen Careen has lived in Labrador West for 46 years and recently retired from 43 years in the workforce. She was Executive Director of the Labrador West Status of Women for 18 years. Ms. Careen was instrumental in construction of Labrador West’s Women Shelter and the opening of Labrador West first Daycare Center and Family Resource Center. She is presently President of the Labrador West Twin Cities 50+ Club, Regional Director with the NL 50+ Federation for Labrador, and board member with the Provincial Advisory Council on Seniors and Aging. She is a member of the Newfoundland & Labrador Housing and Homeless Coalition, the Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition, the NL Prevention of Elder Abuse Committee and Vice Chair with Violence Prevention Labrador. In 2019 and 2014, Ms. Careen received the Seniors of Distinction Award from the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development Department in 2019 and 2014, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Community Services award in 2014 and a Labradorian of Distinction award in 2017.

 

David Loveys

David Loveys is a CPA with more than 13 years of experience as a senior level executive. Through his consulting practice, D. R. Loveys & Associates Inc., he is CFO of Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. and has also been the CFO of Aurion Resources Limited, as well as consulting for other organizations. Mr. Loveys currently sits on the boards of WorkplaceNL, Cornerstone Capital, Aurion Resources and Atlantic Light Theatre. He also has past board experience with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the YM-YWCA, Canadian Red Cross and the Historic Sites Association. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University, a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and holds a certificate from the Canadian Securities Course.

 

Rhonda Neary

Rhonda Neary brings with her a wealth of knowledge and 20 years’ experience in the Construction Sector and Governance Board Environment. The recipient of numerous National Awards, she has been cited for her excellence in communication, leadership and development of activities leading to a higher degree of professionalism in specific fields in addition to being the recipient of many National Association Awards for progress and achievement. Ms. Neary’s past additional accomplishments includes serving two terms as a director of the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board. She is the President and COO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Industry, a role she has held for 11 years – a smart creative thinker, her role in the association fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, transparency and opportunity.

 

Liz Palmera-Nunez

Liz Palmera-Nunez is the Manager of Transmission and Distribution Engineering with Newfoundland Power, the primary distribution utility in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Palmera-Nunez holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL). She has strong engineering skills and extensive knowledge of the province’s electricity system. She has over 10 years’ experience in the utility industry, previously working with BC Hydro and Maritime Electric.

 

Darlene Spracklin-Reid

Darlene Spracklin-Reid is a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University. She is past chair of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and has served on several boards including the Canadian Engineering Education Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association and the American Concrete Institute. Ms. Spracklin-Reid has received the PEGNL Outstanding Community Service Award, the President’s Award for Exemplary Service to Memorial University, the Fry Family Foundation’s “Top 1% Elite Award” in recognition of commitment to community service and the Memorial University Alumni Award for Community Service.

Minister Warr Recognizes National Housing Day

The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), is recognizing November 22 as National Housing Day.

Each year, National Housing Day acknowledges the important work and commitment of housing partners across Canada to improve access to housing. COVID-19 has significantly impacted our vulnerable populations, highlighting more than ever, the importance of access to safe, stable and affordable housing.

In 2019, the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada signed a nine- year agreement that will provide $270 million in funding to preserve, renew and expand social and community housing in the province and bring new housing solutions to many people in core housing need.

The first of NLHC’s three-year Action Plans required under this agreement was released in March 2020. This plan outlines actions and targets designed to meet outcomes of the National Housing Strategy and address housing and homelessness needs throughout the Province.

 

Quote

“Access to safe, stable and affordable housing is critical in enhancing individual health and well-being, as well as building healthier more inclusive communities. We will continue to collaboratively work with all levels of government, our Indigenous partners and all community partners to improve access to affordable housing and address homelessness throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and
Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

 

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Learn more

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL, and @nlhousing

 

Media contact

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