Governments of Canada and New Brunswick Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Saint-Andre

SAINT-ANDRÉ, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Sept. 20, 2013) - Ten newly renovated affordable housing units for low-income seniors were officially opened today in Saint-André.

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Madeleine Dubé, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement.

"Our Government is helping to make affordable housing available in New Brunswick and across Canada for those who need it the most," said MP Allen. "These units in Saint-André will help low-income seniors access safe and affordable housing. We remain focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security."

"A lot of good work has been accomplished by Villa Saint-André Inc. and today, we are celebrating their accomplishment," said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. "It's amazing when you think about the amount of work that gets done each year by volunteers who have the heart and mind to give freely of their time, skills and experience for causes like affordable housing."

The 10-unit complex for low-income seniors is located at 29 Villa Street in Saint-André. This housing development received a total investment of $119,250 in federal and provincial funding. The project was developed by Villa Saint-André Inc, a non-profit group.

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.

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 close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In New Brunswick, this represents an estimated 14,850 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, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

These 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 http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/social_development/housing.html

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.