The Governements of Canada and Quebec Support the Construction of Affordable Housing for Indigenous Families in Val-d'Or

VAL-D'OR, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 21, 2017) - On this National Aboriginal Day, the Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre is underscoring the groundbreaking of Kijaté, a residential project. This 24 unit residence, benefiting the aboriginal community, has been long-awaited. It will serve to provide a safe, adequate and affordable home for families facing various difficulties. Located in the urban centre of Val-d'Or, this residence will allow families to remain intact all while giving children access to good schools and allowing adults access to better employment opportunities.

This residential project received just over $2 million in funding from the governments of Canada and Quebec under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement. The City of Val-d'Or also participated in the project by providing a financial contribution of close to $1.2 million. Kijaté project, for its part, took out a mortgage of just over $5.5 million, which is secured by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ).

Today's celebration was underscored by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Guy Bourgeois, Member of the National Assembly for Abitibi-Est, on behalf of Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to have contributed to this project. Affordable housing projects provide much more than a roof over someone's head; they improve the quality of life of the residents and contribute to the well-being of the whole community. Our investments help Canadians build better lives for themselves, their families and their children." - The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

"The impact of such a project on the community is immeasurable and the government is proud to have contributed. Thanks to this residence, 24 aboriginal families facing various difficulties will benefit from an adequate, healthy and safe home and environment where they will thrive and participate in the socio-economic life of their community. As we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, I am delighted at the thought of new possibilities opening up to these families." - Guy Bourgeois, Member of the National Assembly for Abitibi-Est

Highlights

• Kijaté is a 24 unit project that will allow aboriginal families to remain together in a setting that maintains cultural ties while fostering their independence.
  
• Many of the units benefit from additional space in order to accommodate larger families.
  
• The future tenants will benefit from the Rent Supplement program, which will allow them to pay a rent corresponding to 25% of their income. This additional financial assistance of more than $413,000 over five years will be assumed by the SHQ (90%) and the City of Val-d'Or (10%).
  
• The Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones provided financial support in the amount of $150,000.
  
• An amount of more than $65,000 was granted by the Bureau de l'efficacité et de l'innovation énergétiques of the Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles to ensure that the building would meet Novoclimat certification standards.

Associated links

• 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 its operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.
  
  
• The SHQ's mission is to facilitate citizens' access to appropriate housing conditions. Thanks to its programs and many partners, the SHQ helps more than 229,000 Quebec households. To get more information on the programs and services offered by the SHQ, to find out more about its activities and achievements or to get advice on housing, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html.

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