Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Housing met on Tuesday in Ottawa to advance the development of a National Housing Strategy for Canada. The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), attended the meetings.
Ministers discussed their shared long-term aspirations to improve housing affordability and reduce homelessness. They also discussed more specific outcomes of a National Housing Strategy that would improve housing conditions and affordability for the most vulnerable residents. The proposed outcomes would also contribute to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and increased social and economic participation of low income households.
“Our province is committed to working collaboratively with federal, provincial, and territorial partners to develop a National Housing Strategy. We believe a successful strategy must be people-centered and input from those most in need of affordable housing here in Newfoundland and Labrador will guide us as we shape our own Provincial Housing Strategy.”
– The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
The outcomes of a National Housing Strategy and the details of a federal, provincial, and territorial partnership will be established through a multi-lateral framework to be developed in 2017.
Results of what was heard through the national housing consultations will be released on National Housing Day, November 22, 2016.
– 30 –
Media contacts:
Erin Shea
Media Relations Manager
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 725-4321
erinshea@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager of Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for Housing met today to advance the development of a National Housing Strategy for Canada that will build on a strong housing foundation.
Continuing the progress achieved at their June meeting in Victoria, ministers discussed a shared vision for housing in Canada:
Canadians have housing that meets their needs and they can afford. Housing is a cornerstone of sustainable, healthy and inclusive communities and a strong Canadian economy where we can prosper and thrive.
The Ministers discussed their shared long-term aspirations to improve housing affordability and reduce homelessness across Canada. They also discussed more specific outcomes of a National Housing Strategy that would improve housing conditions and affordability for the most vulnerable, including those with distinct needs, Indigenous peoples and those in Canada’s three territories. The proposed outcomes would also contribute to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and increased social and economic participation of low income households.
The outcomes of a National Housing Strategy and the details of a federal, provincial, and territorial partnership will be established through a multi-lateral framework to be developed in 2017.
Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Housing agreed to work together in a way that recognizes provinces and territories as primary partners in the development and delivery of a National Housing Strategy and recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving the best possible outcomes.
Consultations with Canadians, including National Indigenous Organizations, municipalities, housing experts and national stakeholders, have yielded significant feedback on a wide range of housing themes.
The results of what was heard will be released on National Housing Day, November 22, 2016. A National Housing Strategy framework will be made public in 2017.
Quotes:
“A National Housing Strategy will set ambitious outcomes for all levels of government to work towards. I am confident that through mutual respect and collaboration with the provinces and territories, and engagement with National Indigenous Organizations and municipalities, we will be in a position to significantly improve the lives of Canadians through better, more affordable housing and more vibrant, inclusive communities.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
“Provinces and territories are the primary partners with the Federal Government in developing a National Housing Strategy that ensures all Canadians have access to safe, affordable and appropriate housing. It’s imperative that we work collaboratively in new and innovative ways to increase housing and rental supply across Canada.”
– The Honourable Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Housing, Government of British Columbia
Quebec stated that:
While it shares many of the objectives sought by the other provinces and territories in the area of housing, Quebec will not be able to join a national housing strategy at this time, unless the strategy fully respects Quebec’s programs and jurisdiction in the matter. In Quebec’s view, the current approach raises major challenges in this regard. Quebec, however, will continue to participate in the process of developing a national housing strategy through sharing of information and best practices.
Related links:
)– 30 –
Media contacts:
Mathieu Filion
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546
mathieu.filion@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Charles Sauriol
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
613-748-2734
csauriol@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Lindsay Byers
Ministry of Natural Gas Development and
Responsible for Housing
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250-952-0617
Lindsay.Byers@gov.bc.ca
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador will provide a combined investment of $814,000 to the Smallwood Crescent Community Centre in Marystown for major renovations and improvements and $93,404 for survey work at the Marystown Industrial Park.
The Smallwood Crescent Community Centre is one of eight community centres supported by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) throughout the province. The centre offers programs such as Homework Haven, the Linkages Program, Kids Eat Smart, the Employment Transitions Program, and a variety of sports and recreational activities.
The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Mark Browne, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue and Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcements at an event on Saturday, October 22.
The Provincial Government will contribute $700,000 through NLHC to go with $114,000 from ACOA through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program for the Smallwood Crescent Community Centre project. The work will include overall reconfiguration and expansion of existing program and office spaces, major kitchen and bathroom upgrades, installation of a small elevator to enhance building accessibility, and replacement of windows, doors and siding.
The Provincial Government, through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, will also contribute $25,946 to go with $67,458 from ACOA through its Business Development Program for the Marystown Industrial Park project. The investments will support survey work within the town’s industrial park to provide an estimate of costs associated with removal or filling of materials on the industrial park lots as required for anticipated industrial developments.
Quotes:
“Smallwood Crescent Community Centre has been an empowering entity within the community for over 21 years. We are proud to support this renovation project which will enable the centre to enhance the programs and services it offers. Funding for the Marystown Industrial Park will help the town to better plan for future industrial and economic development which will benefit the entire region.”
– The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The Government of Canada has made a commitment to improve community infrastructure as a way to celebrate this great country’s 150th anniversary and to help boost our community’s resiliency and economic success. By making strategic investments in important community assets like the Smallwood Crescent Community Centre and the Marystown Industrial Park we are helping to improve the spaces where families come together and creating opportunities for new businesses to establish themselves in the town. United, productive communities make for a strong and prosperous Canada.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Smallwood Crescent Community Centre is an integral part of Marystown, offering programming, services and a gathering space for families and children. The Marystown Industrial Park speaks to the promising future for business growth in the town, helping to improve the lives of and opportunities for the people of Marystown and the entire region.”
– The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to enhancing the social fabric of our community through upgrades and renovations to the Smallwood Crescent Community Centre while also making strategic investments to improve our region’s economic health through survey work at the Marystown Industrial Park. These investments are an example of the great things that can be accomplished when governments and communities work together, and will benefit the region for years to come.”
– Mark Browne, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
“We are thrilled to receive this funding. Our staff members have worked ardently over the years to deliver a high standard of programming for the community, and we look forward to the increased opportunities these renovations and improvements will create.”
– Darrell Jackman, Executive Director, Smallwood Crescent Community Centre
QUICK FACTS
– 30 –
Media contacts:
Michelle Cannizzaro
Media Relations Manager
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager of Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Debbie Marnell
Director of Communications (A)
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
709-729-4819, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca
The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, along with the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced measures to give Canadians greater access to more affordable housing. These measures include the doubling of current funding under the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH), supporting affordable housing for seniors and victims of family violence, and addressing repairs of existing social housing. The total amount being invested in this initiative is $48.9 million.
Federal Budget 2016 investments in affordable housing will provide targeted support to those who need it most, including in Newfoundland and Labrador, and create good jobs that help grow Canada’s economy in a clean and sustainable way. The federal and provincial governments will work together to quickly deliver the new funding.
Quotes
“Our Government remains committed to making significant investments in affordable housing, strengthening Canadian communities and helping create jobs and grow the middle class and those fighting hard to join it. Families, seniors and individuals are our Government’s priority when it comes to building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.”
– The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
“Ensuring the long-term availability of safe, affordable housing for those most in need is a priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Today’s funding announcement will serve to improve the housing stock for people who require it, and will provide a significant economic stimulus to cultivate a stronger, more prosperous society.”
– The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This major housing infrastructure investment is critical to our province. We are pleased to partner with our federal counterparts and this agreement demonstrates commitment from both levels of government to help address housing issues.”
– The Honourable Sherry Gambin Walsh, Minister Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
QUICK FACTS
Stay Connected
– 30 –
Media contacts:
Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
Tel.: 819-654-5546
Email: Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Michelle Cannizzaro
Media Relations Manager
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Danielle Tsimiklis
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902 426-7470
dtsimikl@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications (Seniors and
Wellness)
Department Children, Seniors and
Social Development
709-729-0928, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager of Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador
Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Investments in Affordable Housing in Canada
Measures over the next two years to give Canadians greater access to more affordable housing include:
iPart of this funding will be delivered through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).