Governments of Canada and Quebec Invest in Affordable Housing in Saint-Lin-Laurentides

SAINT-LIN-LAURENTIDES, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 12, 2013) - As a result of the joint investments of the governments of Canada and Quebec and their local partners, semi-independent seniors now have access to 53 new affordable housing units adapted to their needs.

The third phase of the Résidence Laurier, which required an almost $6.2 million construction project investment, was officially opened today by the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament for Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), in presence of Nicolas Marceau, Minister of Finance and the Economy and Member of the National Assembly for Rousseau, on behalf of Sylvain Gaudreault, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ). This official opening crowned many years of hard work.

The Government of Canada, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, and the Government of Quebec, under the AccèsLogis Québec program of the SHQ, jointly invested close to $3.1 million for the development of this project. The community contributed a total of just over $1 million, including $640,000 from the City of Saint-Lin-Laurentides and nearly $102,000 from Bureau de l'efficacité et de l'innovation énergétiques of the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune to ensure that the building would meet the standards of the Novoclimat program.

"Our government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project here in the city of Saint-Lin-Laurentides. These new units are more than just safe and affordable places to live. They are the key to a better life for the people who will call them home. 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 citizens of this country, and of course, their personal financial security," said Minister Lebel.

"I am always impressed to see the inspiring projects that take shape when members of a community come together for the well-being of their fellow citizens, as is the case here in Saint-Lin-Laurentides. These 53 new housing units are being added to the 40 already existing units in phases I and II of the Résidence Laurier. As a result, more elders in our community can live in a quiet and safe environment. This is a concrete example of what our government wishes to offer seniors in all regions of Quebec, that is, a place where they can remain more independent and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle," said Nicolas Marceau.

More than $891,000 in additional financial assistance over five years, assumed by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the City (10 per cent), enables all the tenants of the Résidence Laurier to benefit from the Rent Supplement program, ensuring that they will pay only 25 per cent of their income on housing and thereby helping to increase their buying power for other necessities.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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 594,000 households living in social housing. In Quebec, this represents some 127,150 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

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

Société d'habitation du Québec

The SHQ's mission is to facilitate citizens' access to appropriate housing conditions. Housing constitutes a structured response to numerous challenges and needs of Quebec society. Whether by helping to preserve the health of families and seniors, by addressing poverty, social exclusion and homelessness or by revitalizing neighbourhoods and regions, the Société d'habitation du Québec contributes to improving the quality of life of 230,000 households each year. The SHQ also supports job creation and the economic development of all regions of Quebec.

For more information on the programs and services offered by the SHQ, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html. You may also visit Espace Habitat, a Web magazine (in French only) that features, among other things, the benefits of the SHQ's initiatives on all of Quebec society.