Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island Celebrate Official Opening of The Christie

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwire - May 17, 2012) - The Government of Canada joined the Province of Prince Edward Island today at the official opening of The Christie on Elena Court in Charlottetown.

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Egmont, 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 Valerie E. Docherty, Minister of Community Services and Seniors, made the announcement today.

"Our Government is investing in affordable housing here and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most," said Minister Shea. "The creation of these new units here in Charlottetown will provide seniors access to quality and affordable housing, while ensuring that they can stay close to their families and friends."

"Today's official opening of The Christie represents another step towards meeting the affordable housing needs of Islanders," said Minister Docherty. "Through partnerships with the federal government and private sectors, we have invested more than $9.6 million into the creation of new affordable housing over the past year."

The Christie is located at 23 Elena Court in Charlottetown and is supported by $930,000 in Affordable Housing Trust capital funding. The 24-unit seniors' building includes eighteen (18) one-bedroom units - three (3) of which are accessible, and six two-bedroom units - three of which are also accessible. It is located in East Royalty with access to walking trails and scenic Turtle Creek.

The provincial Department of Community Services and Seniors operates housing units across the province for families, seniors and persons living with disabilities who require assistance finding affordable and appropriate homes. The Seniors' Housing program supports housing units in 35 communities across the province. Islanders aged 60 and older are eligible for assistance. The Province partners with the Government of Canada to provide these enhancements to housing options on Prince Edward Island.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada, through CMHC, is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.