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

MIRAMICHI, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - Feb. 19, 2013) - Twelve new affordable housing units for families and people with disabilities were officially opened today in Miramichi.

Tilly O'Neill Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) along with the Honourable Madeleine Dubé, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement today.

"Our Government is proud to be investing in these 12 new units for families and persons with disabilities. These new units are more than just safe and affordable places to live," said MP O'Neill Gordon. "They are the key to a better life for the families and individuals that will call them home."

"Investing in affordable housing is fundamental to rebuilding New Brunswick together," said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. "I am pleased to celebrate this project, which shows our government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life of New Brunswickers and their families while living within our means."

The 24-unit complex, which contains twelve affordable housing units for families and persons with disabilities, is located at 80 Hutchison Drive. In addition to the $480,000 in federal funding, the housing development received more than $1.1 million in rent supplements from the provincial government for 12 units. The project was developed by Judy Phipps Properties Inc.

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.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In New Brunswick, this represents some 16,300 households. These investments are improving 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, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

These new affordable housing units are part of the New Brunswick Government's strategy to rebuild New Brunswick together and enhance the quality of life of its residents. The investments made by the provincial government are helping to build and strengthen communities in New Brunswick by providing quality, affordable housing options for low-income individuals, families and seniors. 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 are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.