Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Housing today met to discuss the need for long-term, sustainable affordable and social housing.
“We are encouraged by the Federal Government’s recent proposal to extend funding for new affordable housing,” said Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and Chair of the 2013 meeting of Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Housing. “But together we also need to protect the homes of the more than 600,000 families in social housing.”
The ministers agreed that the current complement of social and affordable housing in Canada is among the most important social infrastructure in our communities. Significant decreases in federal social housing funding will create increasing challenges to meet the housing needs of Canadians.
As the host of the ministers’ meeting, Linda Jeffrey, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing noted that “the time to act is now. A long-term federal funding commitment for housing is critical to address the unmet housing needs of Canadians today and for future generations.”
Provincial and Territorial Ministers came together in Toronto to share information and build on common ground with respect to affordable and social housing issues. They noted that any affordable housing agreements need to be flexible and respect provincial and territorial jurisdictions, for example the training of apprentices. They also had an opportunity to discuss engagement with stakeholders and plans for a future meeting with their federal counterpart.
“We recognize the importance of affordable and social housing, and believe that all levels of government need to work together to meet diverse regional housing needs and priorities,” said Minister McLeod. “My colleagues and I invite Minister Finley, the federal Minister Responsible for Housing to a meeting in Yellowknife in order to work together to address the housing needs of Canadians.”
Although it shares the concerns of the other provincial and territorial governments about the substantive needs in housing, Québec intends to make its own representations to the federal government regarding housing at the appropriate time.
Ministers also noted that:
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Media contacts:
Shaun Dean
Press Secretary
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-669-2304
shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), will meet with his provincial and territorial counterparts on Tuesday, June 25, in Toronto, Ontario. The ministers will discuss housing issues facing Canada and seek renewed dialogue with the Federal Government on the housing needs of Canadians.
“I look forward to meeting with my colleagues from across Canada to discuss our collective efforts to provide affordable housing options to Canadians,” said Minister Davis. “Our government has leveraged recent federal housing investments to the fullest, going beyond our required cost-matching to build over 1,100 affordable housing units and repair thousands of public and private dwellings. A sustained partnership with the Federal Government is required if we are to build on this momentum.”
This is Minister Davis’ first opportunity to meet with colleagues from across Canada since being appointed as Minister Responsible for NLHC in October 2012.
Since 2003 the Crown corporation has invested approximately $105 million to modernize and improve its rental units, and continues to meet the goals of the Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador -Secure Foundations. Released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, the plan outlines a 10-year vision for social housing aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities.
NLHC is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,570 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
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Media contacts:
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications (Acting)
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Gathering Place will receive a total of $696,000 in Provincial Government funding to renovate their centre and expand services to their members and guests, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, announced today.
A $356,000 investment from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund allows The Gathering Place to incorporate energy efficient renovations saving 103 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, 324,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and $32,400 annually.
“Our government is proud to support The Gathering Place and their tremendous commitment to helping people overcome social barriers and poverty,” said Minister Hedderson. “The savings achieved by using energy efficient measures allows more resources to be put into programs and services.”
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation provided $300,000 through the Provincial Homelessness Fund.
“The Provincial Homelessness Fund has provided nearly $4 million in capital funding to 33 non-profit groups for the development of space to provide on-site outreach service for those at risk of homelessness,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “We are thrilled to have The Gathering Place among those benefactors.”
A $25,000 Inclusion Grant from the Department of Advanced Education and Skills was also awarded to build an accessible entrance, washrooms and install an elevator. That is in addition to the $15,000 provided in 2011.
“Expanding the programs and services at The Gathering Place Community Centre will help people who deal with complex physical, mental and social issues,” said Elizabeth Davis, Board Co-Chair. “The Provincial Government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting society’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The Gathering Place is a non-profit organization providing services and respite to members of the community who need support from isolation and loneliness.
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Media contacts:
Deborah Thomas
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 728-8092
DeborahThomas@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications (Acting)
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca
Elizabeth Davis
Board Chair of the Gathering Place
709-726-7320, 753-8150
edavis@sistersofmersynf.org
The Gathering Place will receive a total of $696,000 in Provincial Government funding to renovate their centre and expand services to their members and guests. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation provided $300,000 through the Provincial Homelessness Fund.