Governments of Canada and Yukon Celebrate New Affordable Housing for Seniors and Families in Whitehorse, Teslin and Watson Lake

WHITEHORSE, YUKON--(Marketwire - July 20, 2011) - Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon 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 Steve Nordick, Minister Responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation today announced the opening of new seniors housing in three Yukon communities and the construction of more affordable housing units in Whitehorse.

The Government of Canada contributed over $20 million to these projects through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. Recognizing the distinctive needs of the North, Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $200 million over two years, including $50 million for Yukon, to support the renovation and the construction of new social housing units. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

"New construction projects are a great way to stimulate our economy and put Northerners to work," said MP Leef. "Today we are celebrating the opening of not one, but three new seniors' residences, as well as the construction of more family housing. These will make a real and lasting difference in our communities, improving access to affordable housing and offering a better quality of life for Yukoners."

"The government of Yukon is constructing significant housing projects in the territory with funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Minister Nordick. "The availability of seniors housing, especially in rural Yukon, helps seniors stay in their communities longer. We are increasing our portfolio with the opening of these new seniors housing buildings, and with the announcement of new construction for families who need housing."

The federal government provided over $11 million for a new 30-suite seniors' residence on the Whitehorse waterfront, $2.9 million for an 8-unit seniors' residence in Teslin, and $4.3 million for a 12-unit seniors' residence in Watson Lake. The buildings meet Yukon's SuperGreen energy efficiency standards and provide a barrier-free living environment.

In addition, Yukon Housing Corporation is constructing three 2-bedroom duplexes with a federal contribution of almost $ 2.4 million. The social housing units for families are scheduled to be completed later this year.

Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada's commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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.ca/housingactionplan.

To learn more about Yukon Housing Corporation and its energy standards visit www.housing.yk.ca.