Consultations on the National Housing Strategy in Maple Ridge

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 22, 2016) - On August 21^st, Dan Ruimy, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge, on behalf of Minister Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, hosted a National Housing Strategy Roundtable in Maple Ridge.
Mr. Ruimy met with relevant regional stakeholders including representatives from the municipal Government and non-governmental organizations. Together, they discussed the parameters of a National Housing Strategy including the vision, process, and outcomes of such a strategy. The role of the federal Government in ensuring all Canadians have access to housing was discussed throughout.

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity of Canadians' housing needs, including both current and anticipated housing needs of Canadians as per the shifting demographics of the Canadian population. The projected impact of increasing access to affordable housing on other societal challenges, such as social issues and mental health, was also highlighted.

Quick Facts

• Over the coming months, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will work with provinces and territories in undertaking consultations with all Canadians, including Indigenous governments and organizations, municipalities, key stakeholders and housing experts to develop a National Housing Strategy for Canada.
• Canada's National Housing Strategy will meet the needs of all Canadians. And it must improve the lives of those in greatest need. Everyone's situation is unique.
• The consultations will explore new and innovative ways of responding to persistent housing challenges, including ways to improve housing outcomes for Canadians as a cornerstone for achieving broader socio-economic objectives.
• Consultations will be open to all Canadians until October 21, 2016. More information about the consultations will be revealed throughout the summer and fall.

Quotes

"It was a great opportunity to host one of many honest and open conversations about what the future of housing should look like in Canada. Those who live and work within the realities of addressing the housing needs for our communities every day must play a role in developing a National Housing Strategy that genuinely works for Canadians. " - Dan Ruimy, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge

"We are thankful for this opportunity to contribute to the development of a new national housing strategy. We are hopeful that a renewed federal presence in housing will be a catalyst for long-term, community-based partnerships that offer solutions to the twin challenges of supply and affordability. We believe that the federal government can have the most impact by introducing and funding measures that leverage community assets to implement new financial and organizational models to acquire land and raise capital for the development and redevelopment of affordable housing." - Thom Armstrong, Executive Director, Co‐operative Housing Federation of British Columbia

"On behalf of the service providers who work in the field of housing, and our vulnerable citizens who are in need of our support, I thank you for leading one of the most challenging conversations of our decade. No doubt the complexities of a federal housing strategy are larger than perhaps any of us realize, but every solution comes from questions being asked, multiple conversations with stakeholders and a lot of hard work. I hope to be a part of this initiative from now, moving forward, offering a grassroots passion for improving the lives of all Canadians." - Annika Polegato, Executive Director, Allouette Addiction Services

"I have learned that the best solution to any problem is the one that simultaneously works to resolve a number of issues at the same time. The research shows that access to affordable housing decreases health care costs, policing costs and a whole host of other social costs associated with issues such as family breakdown, domestic violence and child protection. Although these savings will be realized over the long term, they are real and substantial." - John Harvey, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Vancouver

Associated Links:

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC's operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca or follow CMHC on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook
• Canadians are invited to help shape a National Housing Strategy by joining the conversation on www.LetsTalkHousing.ca. Your ideas will contribute to the future of housing in Canada.