Governments of Canada and New Brunswick Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Saint John

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - April 14, 2014) - Twenty-three new affordable housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities were officially opened today in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with Glen Savoie, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saint John-Fundy, on behalf of the Honourable Madeleine Dubé, Minister of Social Development, made the announcement.

"We recognize how important it is for seniors and persons with disabilities to be able to live independently close to their families and friends," said MP Weston. "The official opening of Father Eugene O'Leary Seniors Apartment Complex is another example of our Government's commitment toward ensuring that citizens are able to enjoy a safe and stable environment."

"Investing in affordable housing is fundamental to rebuilding New Brunswick together," MLA Savoie said. "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 46-unit development, which provides 23 units of affordable housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, is located at 100 Eugene's Way. In addition to $920,000 in federal funding, the housing development will receive more than $2 million in rent supplements from the province of New Brunswick. The developer of this new housing project is the Columbian Charities Council 6595 (2004) Inc.

Funding for Father Eugene O'Leary Seniors Apartment Complex 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. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 600,000 households living in existing social housing. In New Brunswick, this represents an estimated 14,850 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing. 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. Economic Action Plan 2013 continues 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. Close to 177,600 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

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 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.