Governments of Canada and New Brunswick Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Bathurst

BATHURST, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - July 6, 2015) - Ten new affordable housing units for low-income non-elderly singles and persons with disabilities were officially opened today in Bathurst.

The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Cathy Rogers, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement today.

"I am pleased that our Government continues to invest in housing to improve the lives of Canadians, especially here in New Brunswick," said Minister Moore. "This investment will ensure that people in this province continue to have access to safe and affordable housing."

"A crucial part of our work as government is investing in affordable housing to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential," said minister Rogers. "This principle is at the heart of our priorities of growing our economy and supporting families. To move New Brunswick forward, everyone, without exception, needs a place of his or her own; a place to call home; a place to be safe and secure."

The 12-unit development is located at 894 Vanier Boulevard and includes 10 affordable housing units. In addition to the $400,000 in federal funding, Habitat Soleil received more than $880,000 in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick. The developer of this new housing development is Résidences Habitat Soleil Residences Inc.

Funding for this project comes as a result of the $47 million 2011-2014 Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing between the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick, as well as the 2014-2019 extension agreement which provides an additional $78 million over five years. New Brunswick will use the funds to increase the supply of affordable housing through new construction; improve housing affordability through rental subsidies; improve and preserve existing housing stock occupied by low-income homeowner and rental households; and foster safe and independent living for persons with disabilities and seniors.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), invests approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour.

The affordable housing options are helping to move New Brunswick forward by ensuring low-income families and persons with disabilities, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled persons and persons with special needs enjoy a better quality of life. Funding is available to private non-profit organizations, co-operatives, and community or private entrepreneurs interested in developing such projects. For more information on affordable housing projects in New Brunswick, visit www.gnb.ca/socialdevelopment.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.