I rise today to inform Honourable Members that the Provincial Government will contribute $30,000 to support the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association’s annual congress, being held in our province May 2-5, 2012.

This will be the first time in its 44-year history that this national non-profit organization will hold its annual gathering here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The association represents those who manage and deliver housing programs in communities across Canada and serves to strengthen and support the social housing sector. Its members include housing providers, governments, municipalities, associations, and individuals with an interest in housing.

As Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, I am pleased to announce our support for this association. Not only will this congress bring people from across the country to our province, it will also provide an opportunity for us to showcase what we have accomplished through our Provincial Social Housing Plan, Secure Foundations.

This Provincial Government has made considerable progress in the provision of affordable housing for those with the greatest need. The congress in 2012 will be our opportunity to demonstrate our continued support for affordable housing for families and individuals with the greatest need.

In addition, it will provide an opportunity for all of our stakeholders, including our partner the newly-established Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network, to lead the conference planning for this event. Indeed the current president of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association is Bruce Pearce, a well-known local advocate for affordable housing here in this province.

In closing, I would like to say how pleased I am that this Provincial Government supports the hosting of the May 2012 Canadian Housing and Renewal Association Congress in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. In response to their invitation, I look forward to attending this year’s congress in Regina and extending an invitation to all delegates to visit our province next year in May.