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

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - June 26, 2015) - Nine new affordable housing units for low-income families and persons with disabilities were officially opened today in Fredericton.

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Stephen Horsman, New Brunswick Minister of Public Safety, on behalf of the Honourable Cathy Rogers, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement today.

"Our Government is committed to working with provinces and territories to increase the supply of affordable housing throughout the country," said MP Ashfield. "These new units are an example of what has been accomplished with our partners to help meet the housing needs for families and people with disabilities in Fredericton."

"Investing in affordable housing is part of our Government's commitment to making New Brunswick the best place to raise a family," said Minister Horsman. "By working in collaboration with communities and partners, we can move New Brunswick forward."

The 18-unit development is located at 35 Mason Ave. and includes nine affordable housing units. In addition to the $360,000 in federal funding, Mason Avenue Estates received more than $790,000 in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick.

Funding for this project comes as a result of the $47 million Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement between the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick. Under the agreement, New Brunswick will use the funds for new construction projects and rental subsidies.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest 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.