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

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Aug. 5, 2014) - Six new affordable housing units for individuals living on low-income were officially opened today in Saint John.

Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Trevor Holder, Minister for Tourism, Heritage and Culture, on behalf of Honourable Madeleine Dubé, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development.

"With the opening of this project, low-income individuals in Saint John will now have access to quality, affordable housing that meets their specific needs, while remaining close to their families and friends," said MP Weston. "This has been a tremendous project for this community and we are proud to be part of it."

"Adequate, accessible and affordable housing is a significant factor in helping to enhance the quality of life of New Brunswickers and their families," said Minister Holder. "Projects such as this one are a good example of how government and the community can work together to rebuild the province. Our government believes that we have a key role to play in helping people obtain affordable housing. We appreciate all the partners who made this a reality."

The six-unit complex is located at 2 Newman Street in Saint John. Funding was provided under the 2009 Extension of the Canada-New Brunswick Affordable Housing Initiative, including $240,000 in federal funding and $485,828 from the Province of New Brunswick. The project was developed by Saint John Non-Profit Housing Inc., a municipal non-profit housing corporation that develops, constructs, maintains, and operates housing for low and moderate income individuals, seniors, families and persons with disabilities.

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 14,250 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 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. From April 2011 to March 2014, the IAH has already helped more than 183,600 households nationally, and more than 5,195 in New Brunswick.

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.